For closing Tabunok Market: Vendors file raps vs. Fernandez, Bucao, nine councilors

CEBU, Philippines - Criminal and Administrative charges have been filed against Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez and the members of the City Council before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas for allegedly closing the Tabunok Public Market without public consultation.

 The market vendors accused Fernandez, Vice Mayor Allan Bucao, Councilors Rodi Cabigas, Dennis Basillote, Eduardo Gullas III, Bernard Odilao, Charles Basillote, Richard Francis Aznar, John Carmel Burlas, Edward Alesna and Celiapo Cabuenas of violating the Republic Act 3019 otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for gross neglect of duty and gross misconduct.

The complainants Marivic Lasquite, Nora Carlos Dadula, Paul Labalan, Randy Ocampo, Sherwin Echavez, Fe Labalan and Helen Abella claimed that the city officials shut down the Tabunok Public Market without due process of law.

The complainants cited the requirements of public hearing and concurrence of the council before a local government office and facility could be relocated.

 “Local government offices and facilities shall not be transferred, relocated or converted to other uses unless public hearings are first conducted for the purpose of the concurrence of the majority of all members of the Sanggunian concerned is obtained,” states the Local Government Code of 1991.

According to the complainants, the closure of Tabunok Public Market and transferring its operation to the new Talisay Public Market in Barangay Lagtang did not go through a public hearing.

It did not also pass through the city council but despite of it the members of the council refused to exercise their duties and responsibilities.

They also claimed that the new market will endanger their lives and safety as well as of the consumers because it was constructed near the river.

The complainants said that the mayor claimed that the market has to be closed because of the traffic problem in the area. However, the vendors said it has no factual basis. They said the public market did not cause traffic but the illegal operations of some drivers, illegal parking and sidewalk vendors. — (FREEMAN)