Weekly Highlights: Debate on Responsibility, Finger-Pointing
In the heart of Cebu City, a mechanical marvel named the claw machine has recently been unveiled at PlayFair Arcade in Barangay Busay, standing tall at 5.229 meters and offering an exciting gaming experience to visitors [4]. However, the city is also grappling with allegations of overpricing and irregularities that have been circulating for some time now, primarily based on financial analyses and internal warnings [1].
Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. himself had reportedly warned of a potential P2 billion to P3 billion budget deficit, attributing this in part to questionable spending, overpricing, and possible irregularities in the previous administration's financial management [1]. Among the specific items allegedly overpriced were shirts purportedly purchased at P20,000 each [1].
One controversial expenditure involved the reported purchase of a P4.4 million electric car (BYD Tang SUV) during the administration of then-Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, which was reportedly canceled and the car returned [1]. The paper trails and transaction documents accessible to the new administrations are under review by the Commission on Audit (COA) or independent experts to clarify what exactly was done wrong in the past [1].
Despite these concerns, no published COA findings or official investigative reports have been cited in the search results, suggesting that formal investigations or conclusive documents supporting these allegations have not been publicly disclosed or fully documented as of now [1]. The accusations so far have been described as "allegations" or "questionable spending" without specific corruption charges or detailed publicly available investigative documents [1].
Meanwhile, the 'Missing Sabungeros' case, highlighted in 2022 Senate hearings, has resurfaced with more intensity, disclosures, victims, and charges. The case involves 34 to 100 people who have disappeared from cockpits due to alleged cockfighting irregularities [5]. The case has exploded on the national stage due to the expose of a whistleblower, Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, a former employee of businessman Atong Ang. Dondon has admitted to his role in the crimes and has tagged Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto as the masterminds, which they have denied [6].
It is essential to note that these two cases are not related to each other, and the 'Missing Sabungeros' case is not connected to a rock band named 'Missing Filemon' or a concert.
As the city moves forward, the public awaits further developments in both the financial irregularities case and the 'Missing Sabungeros' case, hoping for transparency and justice.
References: [1] News article on financial irregularities in Cebu City Hall, date unknown. [2] Social media post discussing corruption in Cebu City Hall, date unknown. [3] Another social media post about suspended officials in Cebu City Hall, date unknown. [4] News article about the launch of the claw machine in PlayFair Arcade, July 5, 2025. [5] News article about the resurfacing of the 'Missing Sabungeros' case, date unknown. [6] News article about the whistleblower's confession and the implication of Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto, date unknown.
- The Philippine government, through the Commission on Audit (COA) or independent experts, is reviewing paper trails and transaction documents related to questionable spending and possible irregularities in Cebu City's previous administration.
- Amidst the allegations of overpricing and irregularities, no official investigative reports or conclusive documents have been publically disclosed supporting these accusations.
- Concurrently, the 'Missing Sabungeros' case, highlighting alleged cockfighting irregularities, has gained national attention with new disclosures, victims, and charges, distinct from the financial irregularities case and unrelated to a rock band or concert.
- In the general news and politics sector, both the financial irregularities case and the 'Missing Sabungeros' case remain active, eliciting anticipation for transparency and resolution from the public.
