BAGUIO Mayor Mauricio Domogan advised vendors at the market to vote wisely.
After learning that vendors at the market are in the process of electing their leaders, the mayor advised vendors to choose leaders who could genuinely represent them.
He said leaders should also be genuine market stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the mayor belied allegation city officials exerted too much force when it began clearing operations at the market.
In his regular media briefing Thursday, the mayor said anyone could claim excessive force was used dismantling the stalls but he said the City Government is merely implementing a valid agreement.
The mayor is referring to the improvement of Block III, which was bid out and approved during the term of former Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr.
Asked to comment about reports some groups are planning to sue him, the mayor said seeking redress in court is their right.
But he also said they “should not be slaves to personal interest,” referring to groups which sold leasehold rights or are subleasing their stalls.
The mayor declined to name the people behind this practice saying it would be the task force which investigated various practices and violations in the market which should come out with the report.
Demolition of stalls started Sunday. The city demolition team encountered less resistance because many of the affected vendors dismantled their own stalls. The affected vendors have been relocated at the Sto. Niño market at the Slaughterhouse compound.
Clearing operations at Block III is in progress in preparation for the construction of a more aesthetic building. (Rimaliza Opiña)