The decision to move 66 families to a resort in Cordova town from near a venue of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu was the decision of the national organizing committee.

This was the statement of Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King Chan when sought for comment after netizens commented that the move is anti-poor.

Since April 27, 2026, at least 66 families who live near the Mactan Expo in Lapu-Lapu City, the venue of the gatherings of heads of state on May 8, 2026, were made to stay temporarily at the resort in Cordova, a municipality located right next to Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island.

Chan said she has visited the families and “so far, happy naman po sila.”

She said the families are well provided for and were even made to participate in different activities while at the resort.

“I visited them last Saturday and they had a family day so we are taking good care of them and they have different activities lined up per day. They have livelihood trainings, they also have a wellness day… so far, happy naman po sila,” Chan told the press on May 5.

The area where the families live is within the security perimeter of the Mactan Expo. Staying there would mean the families’ movement would be limited during the duration of the summit.

Members of delegations from ASEAN start to arrive in Cebu on May 6.

High level gatherings will take place on May 7 and 8.

Read related story: Total gun ban in effect in Cebu for ASEAN Summit https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/113961/total-gun-ban-in-effect-in-cebu-for-the-asean-summit/story/

(Report by GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)