Sunday, April 06, 2008 Night market issue intensifies in Angeles
ANGELES CITY -- The night market issue here seems to be turning into a nasty issue for the City Government.
Various stakeholders of the business sector affected by the continuous operation of the "experimental" night market here have gathered for a committee hearing to be able to smoothen out various concerns regarding the controversial program.
The Angeles Businessmen's Association (ABA) met with the ambulant and sidewalk vendors of the night market in a committee hearing Friday, which was presided over by Councilor Ares Yabut, chairman committee on market.
The issue started when the City Government initiated the night market program, which has been in implementation since early this year.
It was established, according to Yabut, to provide a venue for vendors who are not allowed to peddle their products on streets because they cause traffic congestion.
However, ABA, through its President Andy Tan and spokesperson Jiji Paras, questioned the lack of an implementing ordinance on the "experimental" night market.
Paras said the night market, which operates on Rizal Street here, has affected the sales of "legitimate" businesses aside from the alleged rumors of corruption of individuals "claming territorial" rights in the area.
"This experimental night market failed because of the fact that the City Government and the policy failed to implement it properly," Haydee Co, one of the members of ABA said, adding that the City Government should evaluate their own projects and not pass the burden on the legitimate businessmen.
Grande Makadeya, president of the Muslim community here, said the vendors of the night market merely want to settle the issue amicably.
Paras complained that legitimate businessmen have difficult time competing with sidewalk vendors.
Both parties have confirmed that there are "people" claiming territorial rights in the area and collect money from the vendors of the night market.
Yabut, on the other hand, said the City Government is open to hear the complaints of all stakeholders.
He added that he would transmit the issues to the Office of the City Mayor.
No concrete decision was made during the meeting. (IOF)
