DIVISORIA street vendors staged a protest against Manila Mayor Isko Moreno last Monday at the Andres Bonifacio Shrine, saying clearing operations being held by City Hall are depriving them and their families of much-needed income.
Moreno recently barred sidewalk vendors on Divisoria due to what he said were violations of the ‘Tapat ko, Linis ko’ city ordinance that requires all residential and commercial establishments to maintain cleanliness and orderliness.
Many vendors lost their daily source of income to support their families.
The street vendors, who have banded together to form the Divisoria Vendors Association, said the series of clearing operations being conducted by Manila government since last June 13, aside from displacing mostly women and elderly vendors, cut off their only source of income for the everyday needs of their families.
Moreno said he respect DVA’s action and the right to express themselves, adding: “I respect that. I made a promise, I made a commitment. Everybody has the right to express themselves.
“But once they started destroying government properties, I have a mandate to protect the interest of the people, of the general public.”
Moreno had previously allowed vendors to sell their wares in Divisoria on the condition that their stalls would not obstruct pedestrians and motorists.
The group has requested a meeting with Moreno. — Cyra Corral
