CH orders temporary closure of stalls outside VSMMC, Basilica del Sto. Niño

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has ordered a temporary closure of at least 10 food stalls outside the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center to clear the sidewalk from "illegitimate" street vendors.

The closure, however, is only good for today after the city government reconsidered a three-day closure order it earlier issued. City administrator, Dr. Lucelle Mercado, said the vendors went to her office to request for reconsideration.

Members of the Southern Island Medical (former name of VSMMC) Vendors Association together with its president Matt Alulod stormed City Hall yesterday to air their protest on the sudden notice of closure.

"Sakitan 'ta ba na wa man laman pahimangno daan na isuspenso diay. Kaliton lang ka og adto unya dihadiha dayon ingnon na sirad-an," Alulod lamented.

The vendors, however, were pacified by Mercado after explaining to them that the temporary closure has to be done to get rid of the 'illegal vendors' who are already blocking the sidewalk.

Mercado who also chairs the Garbo Asenso Sumbanan Alyansa (GASA) said the vendors agreed to voluntarily close their stalls today. They also agreed to police their own area from illegitimate vendors.

"They will voluntarily close their stores tomorrow (today) as nasabutan, but if naa pa gani tay makit-an diha na nag-atang sa sidewalk and wa natuman ang sabot na sila mu-police sa ilang kaugalingong vendors, ma-extend g'yud ang suspension until the order is heeded," Mercado said.

Alulod said they are willing to sacrifice one day and will follow the city government's order.

Meanwhile, vendors outside the Basilica del Sto. Niño will also have to close shop for the next three days for the same reason.

Ermita Barangay Councilor Maria Pino, head of Cebu City United Vendors Association, said suspension was ordered as the stores have already reached the church railings.

Pino also said that clearing operation will be done at the Tabo sa Banay for the next five days.

She said the city government will allow the construction of new stores in the area and will even establish eatery that will be opened at night time, with the mayor's aim to further beautify the place and be more appealing to consumers.

"Sakitan ta ani, but kinahanglan sad ta masakitan para mapatuman ang mga polisiya," the barangay official explained. — (FREEMAN)