Lim orders fortune-tellers to leave Quiapo church

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim yesterday ordered around 70 fortune-tellers operating in the Quiapo area to either leave or work out a deal with the owner of a vacant lot near the church.

He said they could ask the lot owner if they could occupy the area for a minimal fee. “Anyway, there are 70 of you to share the rent,” he added.

Lim said Quiapo Church parish priest Monsignor Clem Ignacio told him that churchgoers are complaining about the fortune-tellers obstructing their way and deceiving people.

Two women, claiming to be the leaders of the fortune-tellers in Quiapo, said they do not deceive people but even act as counselors, especially to wives whose husbands are philandering.

Lim said the city government has a campaign against all forms of obstructions, including vendors, hawkers and fortune-tellers, to ensure the free flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

He said he also wants the area near the Quiapo Church to be free of vendors selling herbs and other medicines that can induce abortion. – Sandy Araneta