JVR told to strictly impose market rules

CEBU, Philippines – Mayor Johnny De los Reyes must strictly impose fines and penalties on market stallholders and vendors who fail to provide their own receptacles for garbage, a city councilor noted.

Councilor Danilo Caballero, chairman of the Market and Slaughterhouse, yesterday said he has been receiving numerous complaints regarding unsanitary practices inside the Tabunok public market.

Caballero blamed the mayor for the sanitation problems inside the market, saying the latter is not strictly implementing the penalties.

Caballero said it was De los Reyes, also known as “JVR,” who cited in his report about the “alarming” situation of sanitation issues inside the public market, which was expressed in the feasibility study dated November 27, 2014 for the then planned construction of the new Tabunok Public Market.

“It was clearly stated that the garbage inside the market are scattered or just dumped all around or anywhere in the business area,” Caballero said.

Under Section 231 of the 4th SP Ordinance No. 2011-14, known as the Revenue Code of the City of Talisay, Province of Cebu, a penalty for any violation includes fine of not more than P200 or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding two months or both.

Caballero pointed out that it is the duty of every stall occupant to provide their own receptacles for garbage in order to facilitate, at least once a day, the collection of garbage by the collectors or market cleaners.

He said the mayor has the direct and immediate supervision, administration and control over the Talisay public markets and the personnel, including those whose duties concern the maintenance and upkeep of the market.

De los Reyes said he created the task force to oversee compliance and the designation of trash cans and waste bins in strategic places within the city.