Consumer group urges review of Jaro market fees

ILOILO CITY — The Panay Consumers Alliance (PCA) has called for fair and affordable public market fees, transparent policies, and greater vendor participation in decisions affecting their livelihoods amid complaints over high utility charges at Jaro Big Market.

The group warned that excessive operating costs could reduce the earnings of small vendors and eventually lead to higher prices for consumers.

The appeal follows complaints from Jaro Big Market stallholders over high electricity charges and an alleged lack of proper consultation before the increases were implemented.

In a statement, the PCA said the situation raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in the management of public markets.

The concerns gained renewed attention as Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu delivered her second State of the City Address on Oct. 26, highlighting her administration’s programs and priorities for local development.

The issue also comes as vendors adjust to operations at the redeveloped Jaro Big Market, one of the city’s major public markets.

Vendors, consumer groups demand affordable market fees

On Oct. 16 and 17, 2026, vendors and consumer groups from across the country gathered for the National Public Markets Summit in Quezon City to defend the public character of markets and oppose what they described as the privatization of public market spaces through public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Among the network’s five-point demands was a reduction in rental fees and other operating expenses shouldered by vendors.

The groups also called for meaningful consultations before authorities implement changes in rental rates, electricity charges, and other market-related fees.

They stressed that all charges must remain fair, transparent, and affordable.

For small-scale vendors, higher operating expenses can significantly reduce daily earnings, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their businesses and support their families.

The alliance warned that vendors who cannot absorb additional costs may be forced to raise prices, passing the financial burden on to consumers.

The concerns highlight the need to balance the cost of maintaining and operating public market facilities with the ability of small businesses to remain financially viable.

Public markets must serve the people

The PCA urged market authorities to review existing fees and ensure that their implementation is transparent and accountable.

It also emphasized the need to give affected vendors a meaningful voice in decisions that directly influence their income and working conditions.

“Public markets must serve the interests of the people by providing accessible spaces for livelihood and affordable goods,” the group said in its statement.

The alliance stressed that public markets should not become another source of excessive expenses for struggling vendors and consumers.

It maintained that public markets play a vital role in local communities by supporting small businesses, providing employment, and giving consumers access to essential goods at affordable prices.

Beyond the immediate concerns at Jaro Big Market, the alliance said the issue raises broader questions about how public markets should be managed when changes in fees affect both the cost of doing business and the affordability of basic commodities.

The PCA reiterated its call to defend vendors’ rights, protect consumers’ interests, and ensure that public markets remain accessible and affordable.

The group also emphasized that meaningful consultations and transparent fee-setting policies are essential to protecting the livelihoods of market vendors while keeping basic goods within reach of consumers.