Council to vendors: Only voters allowed to sell in night market

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has assured vendors that those granted slots in the night market are registered voters of the city, following complaints that “outsiders” were being accommodated.

The Colon Night Market officially opened to the public on December 14, 2024. However, when its request for a road closure was discussed during the council’s latest regular session last Wednesday, Councilor Nestor Archival Sr. raised concerns from some vendors about non-residents occupying slots.

“Because there were a lot of complaints coming to my office that this market gihimo ning kana bitawng negosyo sa mga dagko ba,” said Archival.

Archival also mentioned that several vendors allegedly came from outside Cebu City. Additionally, he sought clarification on the rental price range being charged to vendors, which Councilor Renato Osmeña, the proponent of the night market, has yet to finalize.

Osmeña explained that the approved area could accommodate at least 500 to 700 vendors and clarified that priority would be given to early applicants.

“To add up, these are all registered of Cebu (City). That’s the number one criteria to apply, to have a stall,” said Osmeña.

Archival, however, claimed he had received complaints that some vendors were from Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City.

Osmeña acknowledged the issue, adding that they imposed the stricter prerequisite requiring vendors to be registered voters of Cebu City.

As the council approved the resolution for the night market, Archival introduced a corollary motion requesting the Garbo Asenso Sumbanan Alyansa (GASA) officers, the vendor association managing the night market, to provide the total number of vendors accommodated, along with their names and rental fees.

Osmeña assured the council that the report would be available within the week.

The approved road closure to accommodate the Colon Night Market includes portions of Colon St., Jakosalem St., and Junquera St.

The market will run from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The specific routes affected by the road closure are from the corner of Leon Kilat St. to the corner of Osmeña Blvd.; Colon St. from the corner of Osmeña Blvd. to the corner of Pelaez St.; and Pelaez St. from the corner of Sanciangko St. to the corner of Colon St.;

Also affected are Legaspi St. from the corner of Manalili St. to the corner of Colon St.; Colon St. from the corner of Pelaez St. to the corner of Junquera St.; Junquera St. from the corner of Sanciangko St. to the corner of Colon St.; Colon St. from the corner of Junquera St. to the corner of D. Jakosalem St.; and Colon St. from the corner of D. Jakosalem St. to the corner of Mabini St., Cebu City. – /ATO (FREEMAN)