‘Don’t use vendors’ plight for politics’
CEBU CITY (April 25, 2024) – Mayor Mike Rama does not agree to a moratorium in the apprehension of ambulant vendors who violate rules in the city.
He thought the proposal of City Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, Jr. reeks of grandstanding.
“Dili sad na mao. Unsa ma’y pasabot ni Jun? Ipa-invade niya ang siyudad to people who are not following laws?” Rama said during Ingna’ng Mayor over Sugboanon Channel today.
“Why are we talking about moratorium? Because election is coming? Where is the rule of law?” he asked.
In a privilege speech during the City Council’s regular session yesterday, April 24, Alcover sought for a moratorium after he received reports that the city’s ambulant vendors were allegedly harassed.
Street vendor Cyrus Baguio accused on Sunday, April 21, personnel of the Road Management Authority (RMA) and the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) of harassment.
He claimed they threw the fruit juice he was selling when they caught him and other vendors hawking their wares at Osmeña Blvd, corner Plaridel St.
A day later, however, Baguio recanted and acknowledged that RMA and PROBE personnel had no fault in the incident.
Baguio addmitted in front of Garbo Asenso Sumbanan Alyansa head Maria Pino, Barangay Ermita chief Mark Miral, and Kumusta Ka’Sugbo anchor Ramil Ayuman.
Rule of law
Rama told Ingna’ng Mayor anchor Vilma Andales that ambulant vendors must follow the city’s regulations or utter chaos will ensue in the streets.
“Tul-id ba na nga imung ipa-invade ang siyudad sa Sugbo, pataka lang sulod ang mga traders? It is not in line anymore with what is decent and proper,” the mayor said.
“Atong tumong kay nindoton ang bati. Ganahan ba mo magtan-aw nga atong siyudad ma-invaded by traders, wala nay agianan ang mga tawo, ang mga bata naa na sa roadwalk?” he added.
Due process
He also urged Alcover to not condemn RMA and PROBE personnel without due process.
Rama said Alcover should have considered Baguio’s admission, or should have verified the matter with RMA and PROBE, before he delivered his privilege speech.
“Nganong gipalit man ni Jun Alcover? Nganong gipalit?” he said.
“Kahibaw baya mo that I am a victim of condemnation without proper hearing. Kontra kaayo nako na,” he added.
He also reminded RMA and PROBE personnel to be always compassionate as they strictly implement the laws.
He warned them of job termination if proven that they harassed or intimidated people they apprehend.
“I have been very clear with (RMA head) Raquel Arce ana that the human factor has to be imbued in our implementation. Kontra kaayo ko ana makit-an nga nangapil ana, no excuses nako na,” Rama said.
“If they have to be terminated, then terminate them. Anger should not be part of the execution, unacceptable nako na,” he added.
Still cordial but…
Rama said he continues to treat Alcover as a part of his 2025 councilorial slate despite his criticism of some of the latter’s statements.
The mayor, however, warned Alcover that his patience has its limits.
“Kahibaw baya mo nako nga utong rako pirme ani, pero ayaw sad i-abot nga dili nako makaginhawa nga molagom kay padung nata ilubong,” he added. | RMN Sugboanon Channel / jkv
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