Night bazaar in Cebu City extended until February

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has extended until February the Night Market Bazaar on Colon Street in downtown area.

"I am giving them one more month," he said yesterday, as he directed City Market Administrator Jonil Matuguina to investigate the reportedly violations at the night market thoroughly.

The night market, which started in December in time for Christmas, was supposed to end yesterday, January 31.

But Labella said the vendors went to his office on Thursday to appeal his decision and promised to follow the rules. He said more reports of violations will force him to make a decision.

"I’ll have it checked. I’ll have it monitored. I’ll have it investigated," he said.

Matuguina earlier recommended to end the night market owing to complaints and violations that reached his office, including some vendors selling their spots for as high as P20,000.

“Nanghagit gyud ang ubang vendors diha. Nangayo na gani ko’g mga pangalan nila para matangtang sila didto sa night bazaar (The vendors there wanted to challenge. I already asked for their names to remove them from the night bazaar),” Matuguina said earlier.

He said the Office of the Market Administrator received many complaints from stakeholders and from the public in general.

For one, the businesses at the area of the night market downtown have complained that they found it hard to bring their stocks into and out of their stores, which reportedly dissatisfied customers.

Because roads have to be closed to accommodate the night market, commuters are also affected, especially the students.

Matuguina said some night market vendors cannot maintain the cleanliness of their areas, violate the no smoking policy, and still allegedly sell their spots.

The Cebu City Night Market Bazaar was launched in December last year to give the displaced sidewalk vendors the privilege to sell their wares again. JMO (FREEMAN)