Archival defends absence

DURING ZONING ORDINANCE VOTING

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Incoming Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has defended his absence during the final deliberation of the “Revised Comprehensive Cebu City Zoning Ordinance of 2025,” saying he objected to the measure being discussed behind closed doors.

Archival, who is completing his term as a city councilor and currently serves as Minority Floor Leader, explained that voicing his objection on the floor would have been futile, as he expected to be outvoted.

His absence during Wednesday’s session drew criticism from the Urban Poor Alliance and several Carbon Market vendors. Archival was present earlier that day, delivering a privilege speech and attending an awarding ceremony for outgoing councilors. However, he was no longer in the session hall when the zoning ordinance—the last item on the agenda—was tackled.

Responding to the backlash, Archival denied betraying public trust and instead underscored the importance of integrating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) into the city's existing ordinance.

He pointed out that Cebu City has gone 29 years without a CLUP, and that its absence has raised questions from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Archival said he had asked Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, the ordinance’s proponent, to defer the deliberation. However, Pesquera stood by the urgency of the measure, saying it was a critical piece of legislation.

“Nya karon, if mu-object ko, upat raman mi, so the thing that we are doing is para nako di maayo,” said Archival.

He added that a deferment would have forced the new administration to restart the entire documentation process from scratch.