BACOLOD City — The City Legal Office (CLO) has issued notices to the barangay captain of Barangay Alijis and 27 stall owners operating at the Asenso Market Trade Fair, directing the removal of permanent structures and requiring an explanation regarding the operation of the trade fair allegedly conducted without the necessary permits.
City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu confirmed that the notices were served on June 1, to Barangay Alijis Punong Barangay Deogracias Dela Vega and the affected stall owners.
At present, around 51 stalls are operating within the market, with some vendors occupying more than one stall.
According to Chiu, Dela Vega was ordered to submit a written explanation within 72 hours regarding the operation of the Asenso Market Trade Fair from March 26 to May 31, 2026. He was likewise directed to remove all permanent structures erected within the area.
In a separate notice, stall owners were ordered to dismantle and remove their structures within 10 days from receipt of the order.
Records reviewed by the CLO showed that while the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the barangay’s request for the temporary closure of a road and the installation of stalls for the trade fair, no application for a Special Permit was filed and no permit was issued by the proper authorities for the operation of the market.
“In connection with this, the barangay is being required to explain why the trade fair was allowed to operate without first securing the necessary Special Permit and other required clearances,” Chiu said.
The CLO warned that failure to submit the required explanation within the prescribed period would prompt the office to evaluate the matter based on available records and pursue appropriate legal action under existing laws, rules, and regulations.
Chiu said inspections and verification of official records revealed that portions of the market occupy areas classified as public roads and sidewalks intended for public access and use. Under existing regulations, permanent structures are prohibited in such areas.
As a result, all tenants were ordered to immediately dismantle and remove permanent stalls, extensions, improvements, and other installations occupying the market premises and adjacent public spaces within 10 days.
The notice further stated that failure to comply would authorize government authorities to remove the structures at the owners’ expense without further notice. Non-compliant tenants may also face administrative, civil, or other legal sanctions as warranted.
Chiu emphasized that the directive aims to ensure compliance with applicable laws, city ordinances, and market regulations while protecting public safety and preserving the intended use of public roads and sidewalks.
“The city government is committed to enforcing regulations governing public spaces and ensuring that all commercial activities operate within the bounds of the law,” the CLO said.
As of this writing, some stalls had already begun to be dismantled ahead of the deadline set by the CLO.
Based on radio reports, Dela Vega said he respects the notice issued by the city government./PN
