A video showed that along with the heavy rainfall, water dripped into the Eatery Section at the third floor of the Iloilo Central Market. 

The incident on January 2, 2026 has continuously posed hazard to market vendors and customers because of the wet floor.

“Mapanganib talaga. Naglalaro ang mga bata and dumadaan ang mga tao. Ang tendency madulas sila. Apektado talaga kami,” Raquel Salonga, a vendor at the Eatery Section, said.

The Iloilo City Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) explained that waterproofing of the parking area at the rooftop is not done yet.

“Inaayos naman. Tinitingnan natin kung ano pa ang ibang mga problem. Naa-address naman agad,” said Maricel Mabaquiao, head of the Iloilo City LEEO.

Meanwhile, native products and rice and grain products damaged by the surge of leaking water from a drainage system cost at least P311,295.

The affected vendors requested of urgent refund.

Danilo Lemos, a rice vendor, said that drenched products cost over P18,000.

“Sana huwag tumagal. Mabuti sana kung maibigay nila agad kasi syempre gagamitin rin natin sa negosyo,” Lemos said.

LEEO ordered the contractor to have the payment of damages fast-tracked.

A joint inspection rendered that the water leakage is due to debris that clogged the drainage system. The debris were removed reportedly and that additional water pumps are needed.

Meanwhile, instead of an investigation, a consultative meeting will be carried out by the chairman of the Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse of the Iloilo City Council in relation to the incident at the Iloilo Central Market.

“So, siguro baka maaari nating ma-consult ang ating City Engineer’s or sa Office of the Building Official kung ang plans ay na-follow talaga at tama ang specifications,” said Mandrie Malabor, chairman on Markets and Slaughterhouse Committee of the Iloilo City Council.