PNoy meets Talisay vendors, makes no decision on transfer

CEBU, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III yesterday met with the Tabunok Public Market vendors who ran to the Korean-Salcon Power Corp. compound upon knowing that the president was going to be there so that they could air their sentiments on their scheduled transfer today.

Aquino did not however promise to stop today's transfer, instead advised them to contact someone from his office who can help them on the matter, said Helen Ocampo, Association of Tabunok Public Market Vendors secretary.

Ocampo admitted they were happy with this development, but they are not expecting anything from it.

"Wa ko kahibawo kung mag-expect ba mi. Basta padayun gihapon ang mga giplanuhan, magsige mi og rally hangtud paminawon mi nila," said Ocampo in reference to the Talisay City government.

Ocampo said Aquino asked them "Bakit ngayon pa?"

But she said they already sent a letter to his office but got no reply. There were about 30 vendors, supposedly armed with streamers but were confiscated by the police, who were there to appeal to the president in the KSPC vicinity.

As of 2:00 p.m. yesterday, the vendors had yet to talk to that person whom Aquino had referred to them.

Meanwhile, all vendors have vowed to continue their protest demonstrations until the city cancels the planned transfer.

Ocampo said they will not be selling today to focus on their protests, and that no one from their group will move out of the Tabunok Public Market to sell in the new market in Lagtang.

The city government has already set the transfer of all vendors to the new market in barangay Lagtang today.

Mayor Socrates Fernandez last week said only "legitimate" reasons could postpone the move.

If there is none, he would order the entire Tabunok Public Market padlocked. (FREEMAN)