Crackdown vs vending machines continues

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government will continue to seize coin-operated vending machines illegally installed along the sidewalks.

Initially confiscated were at least 25 water vending machines, two coffee vending machines, and three refrigerators during the initial clearing operation conducted July 18.

Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) chief Raquel Arce vowed that this will be a part of their daily routine, apart from clearing illegal sidewalk vendors.

"Our operation will not stop. We cannot do this on our own. We appeal to the public. Please, if you see any violating establishment, report it to PROBE, City Health or even barangay. We cannot monitor every corner of the city," Arce yesterday told reporters.

The tip would be helpful if accompanied by a sketch of the machine installed not following the Sanitation Code of the Philippines while also blocking the pedestrian from utilizing the sidewalk.

The joint operation was headed by implementing office PROBE, assisted by representatives from the City Health Office upon the clearing order issued by Garbo Asenso Sumbanan Alyansa (GASA) of the City Government.

The follow-up clearing operations yielded 10 more water vending machines and three more coffee machines, according to Arce.

GASA earlier ordered the clearing of the illegally installed vending machines after investigation showed how it could be risking consumers to diarrhea-causing e-coli bacteria.

Arce believed that these customized coin operated vending machines are designed to be standing in the outdoors, since a regular dispenser would suffice to be installed in indoor establishments.

Asked if she will push for the banning of these machines in Cebu City, Arce explained this will be beyond her job.

"Sa City Health nasad na nga trabaho. Sila man ang maka recommend if ever there is a need to ban these machines," Arce said. — (FREEMAN)