Cebu City government to allow sidewalk vending if…

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will allow vendors to sell their goods along the city’s sidewalks as long as they will not cause public disturbance.

At least 200 vendors were oriented on the city’s sidewalk vending regulations. The city has roughly 500 ambulant vendors using pushcarts, locally known as karomata, in selling their wares such as fresh fruits.

Genevieve Alcoseba, head of the city’s Division of Welfare for the Urban Poor, they want to set the rules straight for street vendors.

For uniformity, the vendors are required to observe the allowed vending table with a size of two meters by three meters as well as observe cleanliness.

Alcoseba said the city will issue vendors a temporary permit to vend in the areas identified by the city government.

She said the city wants to organize the vendors to protect them from possible harassment and exploitation.

“Atong han-ayon kay di pud pwede nga mapuno sa vendors ang tanan sidewalk ug dili sila kwartahan,” she said.

She said her division is tasked to deal, oversee and address the plights of the city vendors, as directed by Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Alcoseba, however, warned erring vendors that the city will not think twice apprehending them if they fail to observe and follow the rules.

“They will be under observation. If okay na gyud sila, the city will issue official ID for mapping purposes pud,” she said.

To easily monitor their operations, DWUP and the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) team have started profiling the ambulant vendors.

Alcoseba said her office is currently addressing the proliferation of vendors along Colon Street, obstructing traffic flow and contributing to traffic congestion.

DWUP also noted that these vendors have already encroached one lane of the road.

“Usa sa atong problema every gabii is ang sa Colon. Worst gyud na. Probe is also doing their job. Nakakita naman ko’g progress gamay. Magbilin gyud og space for motorists and pedestrians,” Alcoseba said.

Ambulant vendors — or those using pushcarts and or other contraptions —  staying in the streets thereby endangering others or obstructing vehicular traffic, can be considered public nuisance.

Article 694 (sections 1 and 4) in relation to Article 699 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines provides that a public nuisance may be summarily removed. (FREEMAN)