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Sunday, March 07, 2004
City to sue 3 vendors
By Dino R. Zabala
* Vendors accused of destroying perimeter fence in front of Malimgas Market
“WE shall file the necessary charges against these three hardcore individuals and have them pay for their stupidity in order to teach them a lesson.”
Thus said Mayor Benjamin S. Lim in an interview with members of the local media Friday evening after learning of the incident where three men mischievously destroyed the perimeter fence that was earlier put up in front of the Malimgas Market.
The wood and galvanized iron fencing structure was installed earlier that afternoon in front of the old market to serve as an enclosure during the complete demolition of the old market structure, and during its eventual reconstruction.
Lim was pertaining to the three identified suspects who allegedly maliciously and intently pushed the perimeter fence causing it to collapse to the ground entirely. The three were immediately collared by members of the city police led by P/Supt. Noli G. Taliño, who were at the time securing the area to thwart any untoward incident that may occur.
The police identified the three suspects as George Macaraeg y Catacutan, 61, a civilian volunteer member and resident of Nueva Street; Rodolfo Barcellano Jr. y Febreo, 41, a civil engineer, rice dealer, and a resident of Caranglaan district; and Reagan Aquino y Cornel, 22, single, college student, and a resident of Barangay Calmay.
Macaraeg and Aquino, who are said to be both vendors, members of the group that is against the demolition of the old market. Barcellano is said to be also opposed to the demolition.
The three were immediately whisked to the police station in the Perez market site and subsequently detained for further investigation.
It was further learned that the three were also caught on video doing their mischievous act. This has yet to be collated, though, along with other evidence which shall be studied by the city legal counsel for the filing of the corresponding case in court.
The city chief executive said he did not expect resistance from a small number of stall holders and vendors, as majority of these market occupants agreed to be transferred to the temporary market relocation site provided for them by the city government.
“I lament the situation that happened on Friday. We also learned that there are even certain individuals who paid these hardcore vendors just to create trouble during the transfer of the legitimate vendors and stall holders to the relocation site. But our objective here is to put into order our vendors and the buying public, and I know the common good of a big number of people will surely prevail,” the mayor pointed out.
Lim added that the present administration is surely following the rule of law, that as of now, there is no legal impediment inasmuch as the demolition and construction of the new market is concerned.
He further said he is bent on protecting the consumer’s rights as well as the legitimate vendors and stall holders.
“That is why we have designated and prepared a place for their temporary relocation to sell their wares prior to the demolition and construction of a new modern four-storey market. And I am sure the vendors appreciate more their temporary relocation site, which is far better than their present condition in the old, stinky, dark and disorderly market,” Lim explained.
During the course of the interview, Lim was asked why he needed to demolish the old market and fast track the construction of a new one, despite elections coming underway, he replied, “ walang papogi-pogi points dito. It’s just the rule of law, and let’s set aside politics at this point.”
The mayor added that he is not interested in the forthcoming elections. Instead, what he is doing is in line with his main objectives and purposes, that is, for the benefit and welfare of the majority of the people.
Brushing aside possible negative political implications, Lim said he is just exercising his functions as city mayor, together with the police powers vested upon him.
As this developed, some sectors said the city really needs public officials with strong “political will” to expedite the progress and development of Dagupan.
(March 7, 2004 issue)
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