Atienza ignores street vendors’ TRO

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza deplored yesterday the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a Manila court stopping the city government from dismantling illegal stalls in Divisoria and Chinatown.

Despite the TRO, Atienza ordered the city and police officials to continue the clearing operation on the streets of Ilaya and Juan Luna in Divisoria.

"This is just legal gobbledygook. This is the kind of judicial malpractice that hampers development and good government," said Atienza of the TRO issued by Judge Wilfredo Reyes of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 36.

Reyes issued the TRO on the petition of the United Vendors’ Association led by a certain Joel Bangit. The TRO enjoined Manila Hawkers Committee chief Adil Khan from removing, dismantling and hauling off the stalls of illegal vendors on Ilaya street.

Atienza said Ilaya and Juan Luna are main access routes to Divisoria, which have to be clear of obstructions. He said blocking the routes would be detrimental to the legitimate traders and vendors in Divisoria.

City Legal Officer Melchor Monsod said the city government will contest the validity of the TRO as he pointed out that the judge may have exceeded his jurisdiction.

"In the TRO, the court speaks of an unauthorized vending area in Ilaya street. There is no such thing in the area. What the court did in effect was to issue permits to the illegal vendors," Monsod added.

The mayor was with other City Hall officials during yesterday’s street and sidewalk clearing operation in Divisoria and Chinatown.

"The illegal vendors can do what they want but we will continue to uphold the law, which states among others, that streets and sidewalks are beyond the commerce of man," the mayor noted.