Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday vowed to remove all illegal vendors in the capital’s streets and sidewalks, including illegally parked vehicles, in just 48 hours.
Moreno made the statement on his first day in office as the city’s new chief executive, saying that all streets in Manila must be used by motorists and for pedestrians to walk without obstruction.
“We will allow them to work to earn a living but not to the extent of aggravating the people by occupying the entire streets,” he said.
Domagoso, who replaced Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, said he will put an end to an agreement issued by the previous city government on the use of several streets as parking areas.
“It is the city government who allows it, regulates it, not John Does and Mary. And for those enterprising individuals, you can now take a vacation. You can do it in Pasay,” Moreno said.
The mayor said he will also prioritize the city’s social amelioration program that seeks, among others, to provide livelihood even to senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and better health care for city residents.
On the campaign against illegal drugs, Moreno said he will balance police operations with human rights.
Meanwhile, the new mayor is considering filing a complaint against those who spread false announcements attributed to the city government on social media.
He said fake announcements of class suspensions in Manila had spread in social media on Monday even as Moreno had yet to order their suspension due to inclement weather.
Moreno ordered classes suspended effective 12 noon yesterday.
He told the public to wait for official announcements online to be issued by the Manila Public Information Office.