Mike given free hand to deal with illegal stalls outside ANS

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Tomas Osmeña is giving Vice Mayor Michael Rama the free hand in dealing with the illegal stalls of vendors constructed at the sidewalks of Osmeña Boulevard in front of the Abellana National School.

Acting city treasurer Ofelia Oliva confirmed that her office has not yet issued business permits for that stall owners occupying the place, therefore the operation of these smalltime traders is illegal.

Oliva had sent her personnel to verify the existence of said stalls and learned that these businessmen were reportedly granted permission by the Office of the Muslim Affairs to sell their wares in that place.

When The FREEMAN brought up the matter to the mayor, Osmeña, who is an honorary sultan of the Muslims in Cebu, said OMA does not have the legal personality to allow the vending in sidewalks.

But Osmeña said he can no longer attend to the issue as he is already leaving for Houston, Texas, today to undergo another follow-up medical check-up by his doctors following his successful cancer operation a few months ago.

Rama will also assume as the acting mayor during the absence of Osmeña, that is why he was tasked to look into the case.

“Kon wala sila’y permit sa pagpamaligya diha sa aseras, mapugos g’yod ta pagpa-demolis sa ilang mga tindahan,” Oliva said.

Neither Rama nor OMA regional director Sakiran Hajan were available for comment yesterday.

Sidewalk vending of various products are allowed in front of Abellana National School during the Sinulog celebration every January as one way of getting revenue for the yearly activity, but they are normally allowed to occupy their places only starting December. — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP (THE FREEMAN)