Quezon City firm on closure of public markets

MANILA, Philippines - Amid protests from vendors, the Quezon City government yesterday maintained that it will proceed with the closure of three public markets in Balintawak area.

“We will not give any extension,” city market administrator Noel Soliven told The STAR. “We are doing this within the due process of the law.”

Vendors yesterday staged a protest as the 48-hour notice from the city government expired.

On Tuesday, Soliven issued cease and desist orders against Cloverleaf Market, MC Market and Riverview Market II after the markets were found to lack various permits from the government, including locational clearance, building and sanitary permits, and sewage discharge permit.

Soliven said the closure order was issued to ensure the safety of the buying public, as well as the vendors.

“Lack of compliance puts at risk not only the consumers who buy directly from these markets but also the neighboring areas, which are affected by the unlawful discharge and pollution of nearby waterways,” said the city government.

Soliven earlier said the markets will be allowed to reopen once their owners address the lack of permits.