Osmeña to vendors: Vacate stalls in 72 hours

CEBU CITY — Pushed to the wall, Mayor Tomas Osmeña declared the other day a 72-hour deadline to the Basilica United Vendors and Photographers Association (BUVPA) to vacate their stalls along D. Jakosalem street before the notice of demolition is carried out.

The order states that the vendors should voluntarily demolish their stalls and clear and vacate the area because the structures do not have the necessary building permits.

The Squatter’s Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division served the notice to 37 of the 44 vendors occupying the stalls.

Prior to the notice of demolition, Osmeña met with BUVPA officers to inform them about the impending demolition.

But if the 72-hour deadline lapses with the group still having a hard time vacating the area, Osmeña said a seven-day extension will be granted to them.

The stalls, built by Conchita Tan, reportedly cost about P100,000. The Department of Public Works and Highways and the office of the city’s building official had declared the construction illegal.

"Conchita Tan is doing a business risk. I’m not going to be a part of that business risk because I’m not part of that business," Osmeña said, reacting to perceptions that he was favoring Tan, who is reputed to be his political supporter.

The mayor has long been trying to clear the vendors occupying Osmeña Boulevard, saying they were obstructing traffic. He wanted them instead to relocate and lease stalls to be built on D. Jakosalem street. But not all vendors agreed to the move.

Those who stayed behind on Osmeña Boulevard said they would demolish their stalls in two weeks’ time.

"Both will be demolish. It is my prerogative which comes first," Osmeña said.

There are at least 54 vendors occupying stalls along Osmeña Boulevard. They were previously offered to relocate near the Rizal Park.

Osmeña’s earlier attempt to negotiate the relocation of sidewalk vendors occupying a side of the Basilica del Santo Niño fell on deaf ears, prompting him to order iron railings erected close to the main church gate. But this was met instead by a public outcry, forcing him to remove the railings.

"If I cannot get rid of the vendors on both Osmeña Boulevard and D. Jakosalem street, the people will laugh at me. They will say that I lost to govern the city," Osmeña said. — Freeman News Service