230 ‘illegal’ structures in Ermita demolished

CEBU, Philippines — Around 230 “illegal” structures constructed on M.L. Quezon Boulevard in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City were demolished yesterday.

The demolished structures include vending stalls, an internet shop, and makeshift houses, among others.

The demolition was supposed to be implemented by the city Monday, but did not push through owing to the unfinished relocation site, which is just across the demolition site.

Jonil Matuguina, city market administrator, said each vendor is only allowed a stall area of 2x2 meters.

Gloria Gere, 60, a sari-sari vendor for 21 years, said she was informed of the clearing operation, but did not expect it will happen yesterday.

Matuguina said all affected vendors were duly informed of the scheduled demolition.

“They were even given enough time to voluntarily dismantle their structures. We were not remiss in informing them,” he said.

The affected vendors though did not resist when the city’s demolition team tore down the illegal structures.

Cebu City United Vendors Association Inc. President Maria Pino said the vendors will not be displaced of the development.

“The city wants only to provide them a proper place for vending,” she said.

Mayor Edgardo Labella, who visited the area around 3 p.m. yesterday, thanked the vendors for understanding the stand of the city.

“This is for the betterment of all. We will continue improving the area. It’s not over until it’s over,” he said.

"For as long as it is a public road, then it is beyond the commerce of man,” he added. — Jebert Sarsonas, CNU Intern, KBQ (FREEMAN)