Probe sought vs city's market czar

CEBU, Philippines – A displaced market vendor filed an administrative complaint against market administrator Raquel Arce for alleged "unprofessional" conduct when she ordered last week the demolition of illegal structures inside the Taboan Public Market.

Edgardo Briones, whose stall inside the Taboan market was among those ordered padlocked for violation of the city ordinance, yesterday asked Mayor Michael Rama to investigate Arce.

Briones said Arce failed to give them the required seven-day grace period from receipt of the notice as provided for under ordinance no. 1486.

However, Arce said they have given Briones more than enough time before the demolition was done because the notice was sent to him September 3 yet. The demolition was done only on September 13.

Arce said she is ready to answer the complaint because they have evidence to prove that Briones violated the provision of the ordinance when he used the stall in the market as sleeping quarter instead of using it as a store.

In an earlier interview with The FREEMAN Briones admitted he only used the stall as sleeping quarters as he is operating a food stall at the sidewalk of B. Aranas Street near the old San Nicolas police station.

Several illegal structures, particularly those constructed right on the passage ways of the market were destroyed by the market personnel displacing dozens of illegal occupants. The operation also has the approval of Rama. - Rene U. Borromeo and Mylen Manto/FPL (FREEMAN)