One-side vending still unimplemented

CEBU, Philippines – It has been one month since Mayor Michael Rama ordered the implementation of the one-side vending scheme at the down town area, but the order remains un-implemented until now.

This prompted Rama to call for a meeting with the people he tasked to implement it. The mayor is scheduled to meet Noel Artes, head of the City Hall's Squat-ters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division; Gerry Marquez, urban poor consultant; and Dennis Jabonero.

Rama said he wanted to know from the three key persons he tasked to implement why the one-side vending has not been implemented.

He also wanted the three to have a uniform stand in implementing his order.

"Silang tulo akong pahinumdoman nga dili mahimo nga ang mga sidewalk vendors ang magbuot. Dili usab sila maglainlain og paagi pagpatuman sa order," Rama said.

"Maayo nila nga tan-awon kon kinsa man g'yud ang dunay katungod nga mogamit sa aseras, dili magbuot ang anaa sa sidewalk, kon pasagdan nato sila diha asa na man lang kita moagi paglakaw?" Rama added.

Artes told The FREEMAN that the reason why the mayor's order has not been implemented until now because Marquez and Jabonero requested to wait for the uniform stalls to be used by the vendors before implementing the one side vending.

It's already one month since Rama issued the order to implement a one-side vending along Colon Street and other downtown streets to make it easier for the pedestrians to pass the sidewalks, but his order remains unimplemented by SPEED.

Artes yesterday admitted that he failed to fully implement the one-side vending policy because he has decided to give the vendors more time to adjust.

He only reduced the height of the vendors' stalls so these will not obstruct the view of the establishments at the back.

Rama has agreed that not all the vendors will be allowed to stay beside the walls of the establishment because there are some establishment owners that may not allow vendors to stay in front of them.

The mayor also wants to clear the sidewalks of any obstacle during night time. Artes said that effective August 23 the vendors are no longer allowed to leave their stalls, pushcarts and benches at the sidewalks.

"Inig-abut sa alas 11 sa gabii suroyon namo ang aseras ug ipangkarga ang mga makit-an namo nga gipangbilin sa mga tindera," Artes said. (FREEMAN)