Manila cops warned vs preying on vendors

If illegal vendors start to sprout on the busy streets of Manila during Christmas season, it only means policemen are receiving grease money from them.

This was the assessment made by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza as he warned the Western Police District (WPD) to guard Manila’s streets against illegal vendors or face disciplinary action.

"We will enforce upon them (policemen) Memorandum Order 77 and the basic Civil Service Commission rules for their refusal to do their duty," Atienza said yesterday.

Under MO 77, President Arroyo gives Metro Manila mayors administrative and operational supervision over the police, while CSC rules penalize public officials for their failure to do their duty.

At the same time, Atienza disclosed that vendors in Manila have committed to help the city government to put a stop to police extortion by securing the necessary permits and paying corresponding fees to city hall. They also plan to organized themselves into cooperatives.

"The best way for the vendors to help themselves is by refusing to give tong to unscrupulous policemen," said the mayor as he urged vendors to immediately report any attempt to collect grease money, whether by policemen or local government officials.

Some 500 street and sidewalk vendors made the commitment at the end of the Vendors’ Summit hosted by the local government held at the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila auditorium.

Vendors expressed support for the guidelines of the local government, including storing their goods properly at the end of the day and maintaining cleanliness and order in their respective vending areas.

"With the collective effort, the city government officials and vendors were able to arrive at a concrete action plan that would further strengthen and ensure the success of the program," Atienza added. – Cecille Suerte Felipe