Labella calms down Carbon market stall owners over ‘misinformation’

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has assured the Carbon Public Market stakeholders that the city still owns the largest wet market even after its redevelopment.

“Megawide does not own the Carbon Market. They are just investors, joint investors, so why should they worry? If there’s any problem, then we should tilt the balance in favor of Carbon Market, in favor of the vendors,” said Labella.

Yesterday morning, groups of market vendors picketed in front of the City Hall to protest against the joint venture agreement (JVA) between the city government and Megawide Construction Corp. to redevelop the Carbon Public Market.

The groups, Movement Against Carbon Market Privatization and Carbonhanong Alyansa alang sa Reporma ug Bahandianong Ogma sa mga Nanginabuhi believe the JVA will lead to the privatization of the market, which might negatively affect their livelihood.

Labella said the city will still be the one to handle the operation and management of the Carbon Market.

“Even if there is the joint venture, it is very categorical and very clear that it is still the city that controls even the pricing, even the rental. It has to pass through the city by way of an ordinance, so if that is there only worry, then there’s nothing to worry. The city has the control,” he said.

He said it has to go through the procedure of passing an ordinance that is already a “very tedious process” because there will be discussions and the nitty-gritty will be looked into.

“They should not worry. They should not try to preempt because if you look at the terms of reference, it is very categorical that it is the city that controls even the amount of rentals by way of an ordinance. They have nothing to worry. These are unfounded fears,” he said.

In a previous report, Louie Ferrer, chief corporate affairs and branding officer of the Megawide Construction Corp., denied claims that the Carbon Public Market will be “privatized.”

He said the local government unit will still be the one to operate the market, while Megawide will assist the city in the operations and maintenance of the facility.

Megawide likewise assured that no vendors will be displaced once the redevelopment of the Carbon Public Market officially starts.

While the Carbon Public Market is being redeveloped, vendors will be transferred in a temporary facility to be placed at Unit 2. — GMR (FREEMAN)