Talisay grants vendors free rent of market stalls for three months

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council yesterday approved a proposed resolution waiving the rentals of stalls for the first three months at the new public market in barangay Lagtang.

"After consultations and due deliberations and upon recommendation and endorsement from the Local Finance Committee, it is proper and fitting to grant three months of rentals as incentive to all vendors in the new public market," read a portion of the newly approved resolution which was adopted by the majority of the council members upon motion of Vice Mayor Alan Bucao.

The move came after Mayor Socrates Fernandez, in a meeting with the councilors and department heads last month, offered to waive rentals for the first three months to prove to the vendors that the city government is helping them in their plight.

At the start, the vendors have opposed the transfer citing the inaccessibility of the place which could affect their income.

They even filed a writ of preliminary injunction before the court, and last May 27, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Douglas Marigomen of Branch 5 issued a 20-day temporary restraining order on the transfer.

The mayor's offer takes effect on June 28, the day when the full transfer from the old Tabunok Public Market will be enforced.

Meanwhile, opposition councilors Romeo Villarante, Danny Caballero, and Val Ylanan noted their opposition to the passage of this measure, insisting that their earlier contention that the transfer is illegal.      Caballero maintained that there has been no public hearing on it yet, apart from the fact that the area which is just along the Mananga River is risky to the vendors and the buying public.

On the other hand, market administrator-designate Albert Obando has ordered all market personnel to stop issuing statements with regards the transfer.— (FREEMAN)