Archival found guilty of neglect

The Office of the Ombudsman has found Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival guilty of simple neglect of duty over lapses in the operation of the Colon Street Night Market in 2025 and imposed a fine equivalent to one month of his basic salary.

In a 21-page decision, the Ombudsman cited Archival’s failure to ensure proper coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and secure the necessary permits for the night market, which operated along Colon Street, a national road.

Archival said he accepted the ruling.

The administrative complaint was filed by Cebu City Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., who raised concerns about the management and operation of the night market.

Among the allegations was that a private organizer screened vendors, set stall rental rates and collected and kept the proceeds from the operation.