• THERESA MAE DULMAN
More than 50 ambulant vendors were removed from Amelia and Mercedes Streets in the Libertad area of Bacolod City yesterday morning by the enforcement unit of the City Legal Office.
According to retired Police Lt. Col. Levy Pangue, head of the Legal Enforcement Team, the clearing operations in the specific areas originally began last year and resumed starting January 2.
During the operation, authorities confiscated various items, including tables, benches, umbrellas, and some merchandise of the fruits and vegetable vendors.
The seized items were then transported to the impounding area of the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department at the Reclamation area.
Pangue explained that the vendors had been repeatedly warned for a long time due to the severe traffic congestion their presence causes in the area, specifically in the nearby university.
“Actually, our roads and sidewalks are automatically off-limits for selling and any obstructions are being cleared,” he said.
Pangue noted that this is considered illegal vending, which constitutes a violation of City Ordinance No.1009, which regulates selling activities in Bacolod City.
The ordinance stated that vending shall be allowed only in designated areas except registered vendors inside city public markets who have established business locations, have permits and are paying appropriate business taxes to the city government.
Pangue urged cooperation from vendors, noting that they are also encountering problems regarding trash.*
