CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Cebu City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, the most outspoken critic of Mayor Nestor Archival at City Hall, has emerged cancer free after a successful surgery for stage 1 prostate cancer.
Alcover said his life has been marked by “kulba hinam” but his survival is proof of divine mercy and a renewed mandate to serve.
At 74, Alcover earlier told The Freeman he had contemplated retiring from public service, dismissing rumors that his criticisms of Archival were part of a bid for higher office.
His survival, however, has given him another lease of life—a sign, he said, to continue serving the poor and marginalized who have long relied on his voice in the council.
“The happiest moment in my life was waking up after three hours of surgery and seeing the smiling faces of the doctors and staff,” Alcover said.
“Daghan kaayo ko pasalamat nga gihatagan pa ko ug laing mga katuigan para maka serbisyo labi na gyud sa mga kabus ug dinaug daug,” added.
He then urged men aged 50 to 60 to undergo early prostate checks, stressing that his own recovery was possible because the cancer was detected early.
In a formal letter, Alcover informed the Cebu City Council Secretariat that he would be unable to attend today’s session due to his ongoing recovery at Chung Hua Hospital.
“This is due to a prostate cancer operation recently undertaken…and I am still in the process of recovery as advised by my attending physicians,” he wrote, requesting that his absence be noted on record.
Executive assistant Chito O. Aragon, who accompanied Alcover through the ordeal, said the councilor never stopped reminding staff of the work that must be done for the oppressed.
“Even in illness, his compassion and dedication to public service never wavered,” Aragon noted, adding that Alcover’s instructions remain clear: continue attending to the concerns of the underprivileged and marginalized.
Alcover, a reelected Cebu City councilor known for his fiery interventions in sessions, has built his reputation at present as Archival’s fiercest critic.
In October 2025, he filed criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman–Visayas against Archival, City Treasurer Emma Villarete, and City Administrator Albert Tan.
The charges alleged grave misconduct, gross negligence, and violations of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713), centering on the Colon Street Night Market’s allegedly unauthorized operation and conversion of public space for private gain.
But Alcover himself is also facing charges– 12 counts of cyberlibel filed in Marawi City, also linked to his outspoken opposition to the Colon Night Market. He described the cases as politically motivated and designed to silence dissent.
Earlier, Alcover threatened to resign as chairman of the committee on markets over what he called the chaotic and irregular handling of Cebu’s night markets, underscoring his insistence on proper regulation and accountability.
He has likewise lamented the dwindling attendance of fellow councilors after elections, framing it as a decline in institutional responsibility.
“Ang Ginoo ray mag igo ninyo. God bless us,” he concluded, promising to return to the Council with renewed vigor for the sake of those who feel most left behind.
| Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/RAE
