No moratorium on illegal sidewalk vending

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. announced yesterday there would be no moratorium on illegal street vending to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the holiday season.

In a directive to Market Administration Department chief Neil Lina, the mayor said sidewalks and overpasses must continue to be cleared of illegal vendors.

"There will no moratorium," the mayor said.

Legitimate vendors, however, will be allowed to sell their goods in designated vending areas along Commonwealth Avenue in Fairview and in Cubao.

The city government also announced the suspension of demolition activities on illegal structures in the city during the holiday season.

The mayor directed the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) and the Quezon City Police District to ensure that the "no demolition" order is strictly observed.

Belmonte said demolition personnel of the city government would be assigned to the office of the market administrator and DPOS to help in sidewalk clearing operations in various parts of the city. — Perseus Echeminada