Owing to complaints, violations: ‘Close night market’
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CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Market Administrator Jonil Matuguina will recommend the closure of the Cebu City Night Bazaar owing to several complaints and violations.
"Nanghagit gyud ang ubang vendors diha. Nangayo na gani ko’g mga pangalan nila para matangtang sila didto sa night bazaar," Matuguina said.
Matuguina said he will endorse to Labella to stop the night market operations by month’s end.
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.
Last month, it was reported that some vendors sold their spot at the night market at P5,000 and up to P20,000.
"Bisan gani ang kanang atoang polisiya nga no smoking... hagiton nila ang CCENRO, anha gyud sa atubangan manigarilyo," Matuguina said.
The City Legal Office has recommended that Labella ban at least nine vendors from the night market.
Legal Officer Rey Gealon disclosed that these vendors were found to have engaged in unauthorized occupancy, selling, and renting of the stalls provided to them by the Office of the Market Administrator.
Labella, for his part, said the matter needs to be studied.
"If that's the recommendation of the market authority, it does not mean that we will follow right away… the market authority is just one of those that I'm going to listen to. Our administration is consultative and is willing to listen not only to our people but also to the stakeholders of the city," he said.
Labella said he also needs to get the feedback of the officials of the barangay where the night market is located.
"Because one of the things that we should also consider gyud is that we should give an opportunity for livelihood to the less fortunate members of our community," he said.
He said, however, that the city will be constrained to ban the vendors who violated the rules.
The mayor earlier announced that the night market is still probationary in nature and can run until this month for the Sinulog festivities. The night bazaar opened in December in time for the holiday season. JMO (FREEMAN)
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