Council approves projects in Cebu City
In the latest city council meeting on June 11, 2025, several significant resolutions were passed, with little regard for an appeal by Mayor-elect Nestor Archival's transition team to hold off on project approvals[1]. The team had requested a temporary suspension to thoroughly review documents, procedures, and contracts, ensuring they align with the new administration's priorities[1].
However, Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros was granted the authority to sign off on construction agreements for various projects, including the restoration of Fort San Pedro, school building construction, water facility installation, covered court construction, road concreting, and building rehabilitation[1]. Councillor Mary Ann de los Santos, an ally of Archival, spoke out in support of the suspension request but to no avail.
Despite not ordering a formal suspension, the new administration expressed support for the review process. Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, responsible for the tourism committee, emphasized the importance of approving the Fort San Pedro restoration project. This project has undergone numerous approval levels, including the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission and the National Historical Institute[1]. Pesquera stressed that suspending the project would mean starting the approval process all over again, potentially delaying the needed improvements for Fort San Pedro[1].
In the case of school building projects, Pesquera revealed that Mayor-elect Archival backed these endeavors. De los Santos, on the other hand, viewed her appeal as a mere "manifestation" — a legal term used to express party positions[1]. She affirmed that this request was not meant to present any harm or foul to the incoming administration[1].
| Event/Issue | Current Status | Details/Reasons ||---------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|| Transition team request | Not formally suspended | Review and alignment with priorities[1] || Council decision | Approved key projects | Multiple construction agreements[1] || New administration’s stance | Supports review but no formal pause | Ensure transparency and continuity[1] |
In summary, the Cebu City Council chose to move forward with multiple construction agreements despite the incoming administration's request for a temporary pause. The new administration supports the review process, aiming to ensure transparency and continuity in city projects[1].
The Cebu City Council has chosen to proceed with multiple construction projects, such as Fort San Pedro restoration, school building construction, water facility installation, and road concreting, despite the incoming administration's request for a temporary suspension to review documents, procedures, and contracts for alignment with their priorities. The new administration, however, expresses support for the review process, aiming to ensure transparency and continuity in city projects, moving forward under policy-and-legislation and general-news circumstances within the political landscape.
