Manila Mayor Franciso “Isko” Domagoso on Monday said he will not allow vendors to occupy streets in the city, and no special permits will be given to vendors in Divisoria, Quiapo, Sta. Cruz and other commercial areas in the city for the Christmas season.
The mayor said he wants to keep the city streets free from illegal vendors and allow the smooth flow of traffic, as the “ber” months usher in the Yuletide season.
The Philippines is known to celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world, which starts in earnest in September until late January with the Feast of the Three Kings.
In an interview, Domagoso said the city government will not issue special permits for vendors who will sell in the famous shopping area’s streets for the coming holiday season.
“The streets in Divisoria are for motorists and the public to use, not for vendors,” Domagoso said.
Considered Metro Manila’s main marketplace, Divisoria houses stores that sell cheap items, from pins to electronics, that often end up as Christmas gifts.
“I want to maintain Recto, Soler, at Juan Luna and other major streets from vendors and those who would try to disobey my order will have to face the consequence,” he said.
Domagoso said he had already allowed vendors who were affected by the clean up drive to sell their products on the sidewalks of Roman, Ilaya, Tabora, and Carmen Planas streets, while others were placed near the Tutuban train station.
He said public utility jeeps were forced to cut trips because the roads were unpassable due to vendors occupying their routes.
The mayor assured that vendors will continue to be able to make a living, but will have to follow legal processes.