Tom's order vs. Amora remains unimplemented

CEBU - Cebu City Hall urban poor consultant Gerry Marquez has yet to implement Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s order not to allow Haide “Basan” Amora to acquire vending space at the corner of Osmeña Boulevard and D. Jakosalem Street.

Three weeks ago, Osmeña has instructed Marquez to see to it that his order would be implemented.

But yesterday, Marquez said he failed to comply with the mayor’s order as he is still planning to first talk with “Bimbo,” referring to city administrator Francisco Fernandez

Amora’s sister, Merlinda “Inday” Batiller, criticized Marquez’s inaction to comply with the mayor’s order.

“Nganong mora man sila og mahadlok mopatuman sa order sa mayor. Kinsa man diay labaw nilang Sir Bimbo ug ni mayor Tommy,” asked Merlinda “Inday” Batiller, the sister of Amora.

Osmeña was angry when he learned that aside from owning three concrete stalls at the back of the Basilica del Santo Niño, Amora also took advantage of his position being the president of the vendor’s organization to occupy the most advantaged vending space in the area.

Batiller said her elder brother was unfair because while he already owns concrete stalls and a wider space at corner Osmeña Boulevard and D. Jakosalem, he only gave small vending spaces to his members.

Marquez had already conducted inventory of the occupants of the concrete stalls and confirmed that Amora has three stalls in that place.

The concrete stalls were constructed by the Young Builders Corporation and was later donated to the city.

Osmeña has decided to allow the vendors to occupy the stalls for free for a period of three years from 2001. But until now, they are still allowed to use the stalls.

Batiller said she and other members of the Sto. Niño Sidewalk Vendors Association (SNSVA) agreed to hold election to replace Amora as their president.

But Batiller said an officer of an urban poor organization close to Fernandez discouraged theme from holding the election because nobody from among them is fit to head the group.

“Dili kuno mahimo nga ilisan si Basan Sir kay maayo kini manulti kon dunay rally,” Batiller said. — Rene U. Borromeo/LPM (THE FREEMAN)