New vending policy not yet in full effect

CEBU, Philippines – The ambitious policy to limit sidewalk vending to one side of the sidewalk has not yet been fully implemented to give vendors time to adjust to the new policy.

“Giingnan usab ko nila ni Gerry Marquez ug Dennis Jabonero nga dili lang usa pasudlon sa Colon Street,” said Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division chief Noel Artes yesterday.

Marquez is the mayor’s consultant for urban poor matters, while Jabonero is also a City Hall personnel.

But Artes proudly announced that he already started reducing the height of the vendors’ stalls so these will not obstruct the view of the establishments.

During previous interviews, Artes said that in one-side vending sidewalk vendors are only allowed to sell their products beside the walls of the establishments and not at the road side, particularly at the gutter.

But in yesterday’s interview, Artes said vendors can choose what side they want to occupy.

Artes also warned vendors that they should not leave their stalls, pushcarts, benches and other obstacles at the sidewalks beyond 11 p.m. starting on August 23 because the SPEED personnel will confiscate them.

He said those confiscated stalls, pushcarts and benches can be released only after the payment of a P500 fine at the City Treasurer’s Office as provided for in the city ordinance.

The Cebu City Police Office had already assigned four policemen with the SPEED to secure its personnel because of reports that some of the vendors have decided to fight back against those who will confiscate their goods.

Mayor Michael Rama’s order for the implementation of a one-side vending policy is meant to decongest traffic in downtown areas because pedestrians are sometimes forced to walk in the street to avoid the congested sidewalks. (FREEMAN)