Vendors want more time to place stalls in order

Last Friday, Mayor Tomas Osmeña and the sidewalk vendors reached a consensus for the latter to put their stalls in order so they can avoid demolition, but yesterday Cebu City United Vendors Association President Maria Pino admitted it may be difficult for them to accomplish the task within two weeks.

Around 3,000 vendors affected by Osmeña's controversial order are in 14 streets in the city and Pino said they are doing their best to adjust the stalls to clear the sidewalks for pedestrians. However, she said they may have to renegotiate with the mayor should the two weeks prove insufficient.

"Lisod jud kaayo but we're doing our best," Pino said, adding that they have started inspection in the areas affected but erratic weather conditions sometimes hampered their inspections.

In his regular press conference yesterday, Osmeña stressed there is no justification for an exemption from his order considering that what he is asking for is very simple.

While he did not categorically close possibilities of renegotiations, Osmeña said vendors who will have problems with the implementation of the agreement should coordinate with their barangay officials. Then the mayor will listen to the endorsement of the barangay officials.

Osmeña believes that the role of barangay officials to take part of the process is hampered by the presence of CCUVA. He earlier said that CCUVA seems to be serving as the exclusive "mouthpiece" of the vendors.

"Let the vendors work with their barangay officials because it is the barangay officials who will endorse and I will listen to that," Osmeña said.

In last Friday's rally, the vendors asked for a 60-day compromise to the two-week grace period but Osmeña ignored it.

CITOM identified 14 streets wherein vendors have reportedly become a nuisance: Colon Street, Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, junction of Salinas Drive and Gorordo Avenue, B. Rodriguez Street, Jose Solon Drive, N. Bacalso Avenue, Magallanes Street, P. Lopez Street, Osmeña Boulevard, P. del Rosario Street, Legaspi Street, Pelaez Street, Panganiban Street and Leon Kilat Street.

Osmeña has dispelled beliefs that the beautification for the ASEAN Summit is the reason for his decision but rather on the responsibility of CITOM to ensure that traffic, both of vehicles and pedestrians, flows smoothly. - Joeberth M. Ocao