22 stalls padlocked in T. Padilla Market

CEBU, Philippines - Twenty two vending stalls at the T. Padilla Public Market were closed yesterday by the Cebu City Market Authority after these were found to have been illegally occupied.

The market authority discovered during the inventory that the occupants of these stalls did not have a contract with the city government.

The occupants said they failed to renew their contracts with the city government which was supposed to be renewed every three months because of financial problem.

“Wala nako matagad ang pag-renew sa akong contract kay namatay ang akong amahan, unya wa madugay namatay na sab ang akong inahan, ug dayon ako na sa’y giatake,” one of the occupants said.

Market administrator Raquel Arce asked the occupant to submit proof of his claims and make the necessary request for reconsideration.

Arce said her office is now conducting inventory of the actual occupants of all vending stalls in various public markets.

According to Arce, her personnel are scheduled to visit the Ramos Public Market today because the records show that many of its occupants are delinquent in their obligation to the city.

Arce added that her office will also take action against those occupants who are not contract holders. Arce said she received reports that many of the vendors have already sold their rights to other persons.

Aside from the nine satellite markets in the city, Arce is also tasked by Mayor Michael Rama to supervise the small markets in Gorordo Avenue and Salinas Drive; Tabada Street in Mambaling; Barangay Luz; and Punta Princesa. — (FREEMAN)