BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental provincial government has formally requested the Bacolod City Government to remove ambulant vendors operating along North Capitol Road, citing concerns over traffic congestion, public safety, sanitation, and the security of government facilities.
However, the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) has called on both the city and provincial governments to work together, saying Bacolod’s approach to regulating vendors is moving in the right direction.
In a letter dated June 4, 2026, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto P. Nellas Jr. wrote to Bacolod City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, outlining several issues allegedly arising from the continued presence of vendors along the busy roadway adjacent to the Provincial Capitol Lagoon.
According to Nellas, vending activities have obstructed traffic flow, contributed to road congestion, and created safety risks for both motorists and vendors.
“The presence and continued operations of vendors along North Capitol Road constitute a nuisance and an obstruction to the regular flow of traffic,” the letter stated.
The provincial government also raised concerns over reduced pedestrian access, noting that vending activities have encroached on sidewalks intended for public use.
In addition, provincial officials cited sanitation issues, saying vending operations have led to the accumulation of litter and waste that require additional maintenance efforts from the provincial government.
Security concerns were likewise highlighted, including reported vandalism and damage to province-owned facilities such as public restrooms within the Provincial Capitol Lagoon.
The province also expressed concern over vendors operating near the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO), which regularly handles public funds and sensitive government transactions.
“The matter warrants appropriate consideration in the interest of maintaining the security and integrity of government operations,” Nellas said.
He stressed that public streets and sidewalks are intended primarily for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
“Any permission granted for private use thereof should not unduly impair public access, convenience, safety, or the general welfare,” the letter added.
In light of these concerns, the provincial government requested the city government to take appropriate action to abate vending activities along North Capitol Road.
City cites ordinance
For its part, the Bacolod City Government maintained that its regulation of ambulant vendors is guided by City Ordinance No. 1009, Series of 2022, also known as the Vending Regulation Ordinance.
Chiu explained that the portion of North Capitol Road occupied by vendors is a city road and that vending activities are permitted during designated hours under the ordinance.
“Probably they wrote to us because the regulation of street vendors falls under the city government,” Chiu said.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, who chairs the Local Market Committee, said the city would continue implementing the ordinance while addressing concerns raised by the province.
“We will conduct another orientation for the vendors,” Mayo said.
Speaking to the media on June 10, Mayo said city officials would reinforce regulations on sanitation, cleanliness, and compliance with the provisions of the ordinance.
He reiterated the city’s “No Permit, No Vending” policy, stressing that only vendors holding special permits issued by the city government are authorized to operate in the area.
According to Mayo, only 42 ambulant vendors have been granted special permits, all of whom are allowed to sell food products. The sale of non-food items, including ready-to-wear clothing, is prohibited under the permit conditions.
The city also plans to conduct regular flushing and cleaning operations in the area every morning while considering the concerns raised by provincial officials.
To address traffic issues, Mayo said the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) would conduct an assessment and implement parking regulations on both sides of North Capitol Road.
Chiu confirmed that he had responded to the province’s letter, emphasizing that the city was merely enforcing an ordinance enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
“We are simply upholding the authority of the City Council, which enacted an ordinance authorizing regulated vending in the area. We have also furnished the provincial government with a copy of the ordinance,” Chiu said.
He added that suggestions implying the city had exceeded its authority were unfounded.
“We are only performing our duties within the limits and bounds of the law,” he said.
Business group supports balanced approach
Amid the ongoing discussion, the MBCCI expressed support for the city’s efforts to strike a balance between maintaining public order and protecting livelihoods.
MBCCI Vice President for Government Affairs Frank Carbon urged both the city and provincial governments to work together toward a common solution.
“The city is moving in the right direction,” Carbon said, noting that Bacolod has intensified efforts to maintain peace and order while preserving and expanding livelihood opportunities.
Carbon said economic opportunities play a crucial role in preventing crime and social problems.
“We are praying that our province will lend a hand to the city’s efforts,” he said.
“Jobs and livelihoods help prevent crime. Vendors are easier to manage than dealing with criminal activity and apprehending offenders.”
He emphasized that sustainable employment remains essential to maintaining peace and order.
“You cannot have peace and order when people are hungry,” Carbon said.
He added that financial assistance programs alone are not long-term solutions.
“Ayuda is merely a band-aid solution. What people need are sustainable opportunities to earn a living,” he said.
Earlier, Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that ambulant vendors would be allowed to operate in the area provided they secure special permits from the city government.
The permits, renewable every two months, are intended to regulate vending activities while providing livelihood opportunities to small entrepreneurs.
On May 25, 2026, a total of 42 ambulant vendors received their permits during a distribution ceremony at the Mayor’s Office.
Under the ordinance, vendors are allowed to operate from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
While the Provincial Capitol is located within Bacolod City, the city operates as a highly urbanized city and is administratively independent of the Negros Occidental provincial government./PN
