Eddiegul favors opening Tabunok public market

CEBU, Philippines - If he wins the mayoralty race in Talisay City, first district Congressman Eduardo Gullas will consider opening the controversial Tabunok public market.

But he said everything will depend on the outcome of a meeting with market vendors, who are currently doing business at the Gullas-Macapagal Public Market in barangay Lagtang.

“I don’t know what the result of our meeting would be. I will listen to them,” Gullas told reporters yesterday in a press conference. 

Last Sunday, Gullas reopened the old tricycle terminal near the old public market in Tabunok as he promised tricycle drivers that the terminal will stay open even if he does not become mayor.

Gullas, however, said he has to know from the city engineering office if the structure of the market building in Tabunok is still safe.

“I want to be sure nga if mobalhin sila, maharuhay ang ilang kahimtang,” he said. 

The market vendors are complaining that they are receiving low income from selling after they moved to Lagtang, more than two years ago. 

Does the controversy surrounding the Tabunok market affect his candidacy?

The veteran lawmaker said, “To me, it doesn’t matter.” Gullas said he is running to win and not to lose.

Former Talisay City vice mayor Aberdovey Belleza, who is running for vice mayor as an independent candidate, had questioned Gullas’s authority to re-open the old market and tricycle terminal, and for conducting consultations with vendors.

He said Fernandez, who is running for councilor, is the sitting mayor.

The Talisay City government encountered strong opposition from vendors when it decided to close the Tabunok market in 2011. 

Vendors continued to complain even though the city offered stalls in Lagtang rent-free for four months.  (FREEMAN)