Sidewalk vendors, the target of an MMDA crackdown, have been backed by militant groups in continuous demonstrations in front of the MMDA head office in Makati City and other areas where clearing activities are being conducted.
Protesters have branded Fernando as the country’s version of German dictator Adolf Hitler because of his "disregard for human rights" in clearing the sidewalks of vendors.
In previous statements, protesting groups of vendors have vowed to use force against MMDA enforcers to protect their right to livelihood.
Fernando downplayed the threats of the vendors, whom he said have become so bold that they are now demanding rights to continue their illegal activities.
"Maybe those rallyists think they have the support of the masses. Well, they should be informed that the people don’t want the sidewalk vendors anymore," the MMDA chief said.
The MMDA has been continuously clearing the Metro Manila sidewalks of vendors as part of efforts to improve traffic as well as the image of the metropolis.
Even as the MMDA gained significant success in clearing some areas, Fernando admitted it was very difficult for them to sustain operations because the vendors keep coming back.
MMDA enforcers have also been threatened and assaulted in several instances.
Fernando said he is prepared to push through with his plan to use kerosene on the goods of the vendors if the defiance continues.
He explained that dousing goods with kerosene was the best method to discourage vendors from operating without having to use unnecessary force.
After damaging the goods with kerosene, an enforcer can simply walk away and avoid physical contact with the vendors.
Meanwhile, Malacañang defended the MMDA campaign against vendors, saying it was part of measures to improve the flow of traffic.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye was less than specific on the Palace’s stand concerning Fernando’s methods, saying only: "We won’t have to resort to the use of kerosene if people would just obey the law."
New ally
Sidewalk vendors protesting Fernando’s method of getting them out of the streets have found an ally in Iloilo Rep. Augusto Syjuco.
Syjuco did not only blast Fernando’s approach as "anti-poor and callous," he also vowed to join the sidewalk vendors in the protest actions against the "inhumane" clearing operations of the MMDA.
He is planning to meet with different sidewalk vendors’ associations and the Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Lungsod (KPML) to hear out their predicament and at the same time map out strategies on how to carry out their protest actions effectively.
"The sidewalk vendors are facing an uphill battle, they deserve all the support they can get," the congressman said.
Syjuco hailed Fernando’s intention and determination to clear the streets of traffic obstructions but criticized his methodology.
"These people just want to eke out a living to sustain the everyday needs of their families. Chairman Fernando should not push them to resort to kidnapping, drug trafficking and other illegal activities to survive," he said.
The solon called on Fernando to summon all market vendors’ associations and discuss with them the problem so that the most appropriate solutions may be carried out. He also urged Fernando to meet with local government officials with the end in view of coming out with alternative sources of livelihood. – With Marichu Villanueva