8 Quezon City markets face closure

MANILA, Philippines - Eight privately operated markets in Balintawak, Quezon City face closure for violating several city ordinances, an official said yesterday.  

Market Development Administration Department (MDAD) chief Malou Arrieta recommended the closure of the Balintawak Market as operators did not pay proper taxes, secure barangay clearances and sanitary permits, comply with fire safety standards and submit a sewage treatment plan. 

She added that operators also violated Quezon City’s revenue code, environment protection code, national building code and the Laguna Lake Development Authority rules.

The operators were informed about the closure during a dialogue in 2012, but they seemed to ignore the city’s directives, Arrieta said.   

Pilson’s market, Balintawak Cloverleaf, Riverview 1, Riverview 2, North Diversion market, MGP market, MC market and Juliana Wet and Dry market are the eight markets that may be closed.

The city government did not issue permits to affected operators due to multiple violations. Arietta said that the last time they issued permits was in 2013, which means that operators have no permit to operate in 2014 and this year.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, however, clarified that they have yet to decide on the closure of the Balintawak Market, saying that they still need to “organize” the area first before coming up with the decision.

“We will inform everyone. We will find a win-win solution in addressing this issue,” Bautista told The Star. 

Should the closure push through, Arrieta said that more than 300 legitimate vendors (those with permits to operate) will be affected.

The affected vendors can still operate in Galas, San Jose, Kamuning, Roxas, Frisco, Project 4, Project 2, and Murphy – the eight government-run markets in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Arietta said she has explained to Bautista that there is a development plan agreen upon by the city government for the whole Balintawak Market to make it a “cleaner and greener” place and a “food hub.”