ILOILO City – Thirteen vendors were arrested for returning to sidewalks.
Personnel of the city government’s Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) confiscated their tables and chairs; their merchandize, however, were spared.
“We left them with a warning. If they return to the sidewalks again, we will seize everything they have,” said PSTMO chief Jeck Conlu.
PSTMO has been clearing roads and sidewalks of obstructions since August in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order for local governments to reclaim public roads being used for private gain.
Downtown sidewalk vendors were relocated to the vacant Cacho property on JM Basa Street.
“It would be unfair to those who moved to the Cacho property if other vendors are allowed to return to the sidewalks,” said Conlu.
The 13 apprehended vendors were spotted on the sidewalks of Ledesma, JM Basa, Rizal, and Jalandoni streets. They told the PSTMO business was sluggish at the Cacho property.
Conlu, however, rejected their explanation, pointing out that buyers already knew where to look for vendors.
The PSTMO chief said the city government is scouting for other sites where to position vendors displaced by the road and sidewalk clearing.
“Sa mga sidewalk vendors, sundon ta lang anay ang mga programa nga ginapa-implement sa aton,” said Conlu.
In July, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Local Government secretary Eduardo Año to be tough on local chief executives tolerating road obstructions.
“If there is a mayor or a governor or kung ano kang…sino kang demonyo ka, i-suspend mo, Sir Año. Give him time and if he cannot, if he is not up to it, then papahingahin mo na lang. Suspend mo na. Wala tayong magawa. They just keep on pleasing their own constituents because there is a constituent, a leader. Ganoon kayo, eh,” said Duterte.
Helping the PSTMO in the road clearing were the Task Force Against Squatters and Illegal Structures, Iloilo City Police Office and Land Transportation Office.
“I hope people will understand. This is a direct order from the President. The city government is complying or we will face suspension,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
He added: “Indi lang ako. Barangay officials will also be suspended where illegal road structures and obstructions are found.”/PN