QC reins in illegal sidewalk vendors

Starting yesterday sidewalk vendors in Quezon City will be allowed to peddle their goods only in designated areas to prevent them from hampering traffic along major roads and thoroughfares during the holiday rush.

Niel Lina, head of the city government’s Market and Development Administration, said authorities will mainly focus their attention on areas along Commonwealth Avenue and Philcoa, and in Balintawak and Novaliches, where traffic is usually heavy.

Lina said the city government will be assisted by the Metro Manila Development Authority in implementing the new regulation, which will remain in effect until Jan. 8.

Violators will be arrested and their goods confiscated and turned over to wards of the Molave Youth Homes and inmates at the city jail.

Lina said the city government wanted to send a "strong signal" to sidewalk vendors that it is serious in implementing order.

"There will be no moratorium against illegal vending. What the city government will be doing is to allow vendors to earn their living on controlled vending sites," Lina said.

The campaign against illegal vendors also includes clearing sidestreets, pavements and pedestrian overpasses.