Cebu City Council Probes Legality of PASVI's Night Market Operations on Colon Street

Cebu City Council is currently investigating the legitimacy of the Participative Association of Sugbo Vendors Inc. (PASVI) as the managing entity of the Night Market on Colon Street, Cebu City. The scrutiny focuses on the authority and legal basis of PASVI's operations.

During an executive session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover queried city officials and Muslim community leaders regarding the issuance of permits for the event. City Administrator Albert Tan clarified that his office only supported the mayor’s resolution endorsing the temporary closure of Colon Street for the night market and bazaar activities. He further explained that the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) granted clearances and special permits to ensure regulatory compliance.

Tan also denied knowledge of any monthly rental fee of PHP 6,000 being collected from vendors. He added that although the Gasa Board is responsible for regulating vendors, such role has not been enforced under the current administration of Mayor Nestor Archival.

Jeannat Aliih Cortes, head of the Office of Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC), acknowledged that her office merely assisted Muslim vendors by certifying applicants but did not directly manage the night market.

Syria Lawyer Abubakar Gunang from the National Commission on Filipino Muslims revealed that PASVI, led by convenor Ibrahim Mike Ginyalan, sought the mayor’s approval to organize the night market during Christmas and Sinulog festivities. The group is responsible for complying with requirements such as securing barangay clearances from Parian, Kalubihan, and Santo Niño, along with permits from BPLO and CCTO.

Jared Limquiaco, BPLO officer-in-charge, disclosed that the city collected PHP 281,500 in special permit fees from 100 stalls. He emphasized that these were temporary authorizations rather than full business permits, similar to those issued for mall stalls. Limquiaco clarified that BPLO does not oversee the night market, which had traditionally been regulated by the Gasa Board.

Councilor Alcover remarked that without the Gasa Board’s involvement, the night market operates without a firm legal foundation. Launched on September 12, the Cebu Night Market runs daily but has drawn concerns from vendors and residents over chaotic stall allocation and accusations of profiteering by unofficial organizers.

Alcover has committed to raising the issue again in the regular City Council session and warned of possible closure if the night market fails to comply with proper regulations.