Cebu event suppliers protest Waterfront Hotel's exclusivity policy as contracts hang in balance
A group of event suppliers in Cebu has called on Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino to rethink its new exclusivity policy. The coalition claims the rules unfairly restrict competition and limit client choices for events at the venue. They have also taken their concerns to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).
The policy took effect on January 15, 2026, and has since disrupted local suppliers' ability to work at the hotel. Many had already secured contracts and received payments for upcoming weddings, trade shows, and concerts before the change. The coalition is now pushing for a 'grandfather clause' to honour these existing bookings and allow a transition period for ongoing projects.
Representatives from Power Link, Events Beyond Compare, and Vibe Craft Audio spoke at a press briefing on February 6, 2026. They stressed that their goal was not special treatment but fair competition. 'We want clients to have the freedom to choose their own suppliers,' the group stated.
The coalition has also asked Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival to step in, urging the hotel to let clients select their preferred service providers—particularly for the Pacific Grand Ballroom. So far, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino has not responded publicly to the complaints.
The dispute centres on the impact of the policy on local businesses and client flexibility. With the PCC complaint filed and mayoral intervention sought, the coalition awaits a response. The outcome could determine how future events at the hotel are managed.
