Freedom Park vendors want city to rid market of bystanders

CEBU, Philippines – Legitimate stall vendors at the Freedom Park public market are asking the city government to disallow bystanders from loitering at the market because they reportedly disturb customers.

"Since Freedom Park is a place for business, it should only be occupied by the vendors and their customers. It should not be a place for bystanders to spend their time here because it can cause disturbance to our customers," said at least 50 stallholders in a letter to Mayor Michael Rama.

All of them signed the letter-request.

The vendors' representative, Gerardo Conopio, told Rama that bystanders usually spend their time at the Freedom Park market despite the fact that they don't own a stall or business.

"They should be told to spend their time somewhere else where they won't be able to disturb anyone," Conopio said.

"Ang Freedom Park lugar sa mga negosyante, dapat kini maukupar lang sa mga tindera ug sa mga customer, dili ni dapat lugar sa mga tambay," echoed Leonila Comeros and Romeo Repollo, two of those who signed the letter-request.

The letter prompted the market authority to approve the recommendation of Market Administrator Raquel Arce to impose a curfew at the Freedom Park such that stall-holders would no longer be allowed to open their stalls after 10pm.

The vendors, however, have complained of the policy because many of them are reportedly doing overtime like those in the flower business.

"This may cause a bit of inconvenience for us because most of the vendors tend to work during the night due to the orders we need to complete for our buyers," the vendors said.

Other vendors said it would be difficult for them to complete their orders if they are not allowed to stay at their stalls longer because they don't have any other place to work.

Still, the market authority presided yesterday by lawyer Joseph Bernaldez decided to continue the curfew, but said vendors who have work to do can stay at their stalls even beyond curfew as long as they leave immediately once their work is done.

Only one person is allowed to stay at every stall during the curfew period. (FREEMAN)