Monday, May 05, 2008 63 traders sign manifesto vs night market
ANGELES CITY -- About 63 storeowners, managers, and concerned professionals have signed a manifesto signifying their "total opposition" to the Night Market program of the City Government here.
The signatories of the formal statement stated that the program might pose danger to motorists and the safety of the establishments and people in San Nicolas here.
The Angeles Businessmen's Association (ABA) initiated the signature campaign among establishments in Rizal Street.
Last January 3, the Mayor's Office here signed the Executive Order (EO) 1, which created the San Nicholas Night Market Committee tasked to formulate and implement mechanics for the operation of a night market.
However, according to ABA, the EO has expired -- putting into question the legality of the night market.
Earlier, Councilor Ares Yabut, the experimental night market program provides a venue for ambulant vendors who cannot peddle their products on streets because they cause traffic congestion.
In a formal statement addressed to the City Government and the media, the signatories are expressing their "total opposition to a street market of whatever form or nature on Rizal Street in Barangay San Nicolas".
They claimed that they are legitimate tax-paying business and property owners and that the existence of the night market places the legitimate business in a disadvantaged position.
They also raised their major points; one of which was that they are against the passing of any city ordinance that will legitimize the night market "because it is against public interest."
The group is also denouncing the "physical, emotional and psychological harassment" that they have been allegedly receiving from "private and public" entities.
ABA president Andy Tan said he believes the City Council will not pass an ordinance on the night market, saying that the legislative body would see the inconveniences of the program.
"I believe that they (councilors) will not pass the ordinance and look on our concerns and welfare," Tan said.
Previously, the City Council held meetings with concerned traders to hear their grievances. However, the night market committee has not acted on the demands of legitimate traders.
The ABA is saying that the night market poses a problem on the safety of commuters as it congests the road in Rizal Street, which runs counter to the city's claim on decongesting the road.
Hospitals and clinics in the area are also reportedly complaining on the hindrance that the night market poses on their ambulances, especially during emergency situations.
Tan said they expect more people to sign the manifesto against the operation of the night market here. (IOF)
