Vendors appeal anew to return to Warwick

CEBU, Philippines - The over 100 vendors in Warwick Barracks in Barangay Ermita whose houses were demolished last year are again appealing to the Cebu City government to allow them to return to the area and resume their livelihood.

 The vendors, who were relocated in Barangay Budlaan after their stalls which also serve as their homes were demolished on March 3, 2014 following a fire incident in the area, had been asking to return to the place but their pleas remain unheard.

The vendors occupying lot 931 in Warwick Barracks were earlier demolished despite their effort to seek court intervention. Members of the Warwick- Barracks Stall Owners and Livelihood Association Incorporated petitioned before the court to issue a restraining order against the city government to prevent the demolition.

However, Regional Trial Court Judge Gilbert Moises ruled that their stay in the area was just by mere tolerance of the local government. Moises said the city government can remove the structures anytime regardless of the length of their occupancy because the area was reserved for market site and not for settlement under Proclamation No. 241 issued on May 13, 1964.

But despite the court ruling, vendors’ president Perla Eraya is reiterating their request to the City Council. Eraya is proposing for the construction of stalls measuring two meters by three meters in dimension for the affected vendors.

She identified the areas facing Escaño, El Filibusterismo, Calderon, and M.C. Briones Streets where the stalls can be constructed. Apart from stalls, Eraya is proposing a communal toilet which will be managed by the association.

The vendors’ proposal was referred to the Office of the Mayor for consideration. — (FREEMAN)