HomeMixed messages from Phillipines Government
Street and market vendors often receive mixed messages from government, as the two reports below on new regulations in Manila, Phillipines show.
The government has introduced new regulations and states it is committed to respecting informal workers’ rights. However, a subsequent report, written a year later, states that the officials have embarked on a campaign which involves deploying thousands of police and private security guards to clear obstructions on the sidewalk.
Manila: Street Vendors "legalised"
Source: Philippine Headline News Online - report by Sol Jose Vanzi, June 28, 2001
Street and ambulant vendors are to be issued identification cards as part of a new Government plan which will allow them to trade in certain areas.
The decision was made after government agencies - including Departments of Interior, Local Government, Department of Labour, Trade and Industry and League of Provinces - signed a memorandum to uphold and protect the rights of the informal sector of society.
According to Interior Secretary Jose Lina, the new regulations aimed to provide protection to street and ambulant vendors and at the same time to address the problem of traffic congestion and garbage.
Lina was quoted as saying "The Government affirms its commitment to uphold and protect the rights of our workers in the informal sector, especially our vendors".
The agreement made provision for the designation of markets, vacant areas near markets, public parks or side streets as officially certified workplaces for vendors.
The Government undertook to relocate vendors who were displaced by the closure or sale of public markets.
A head count and the registration of street and ambulant traders is to be done by Local Government. Unregistered vendors will no longer be allowed to ply their trade.
The agreement promotes the organisation of vendors' associations for their mutual aid, benefit, protection. Associations are encouraged to ensure their members perform their responsibilities, including keeping workplaces clean and helping to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and compliance with the weight and price tag law.
Sidewalk clearing operations intensified
Source: From Inquirer News Service report by Leila B Salaverria, August 19, 2002
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Bayani Fernando has intensified his sidewalk clearing operations and revealed his plan to penalise sidewalk vendors.
In a news conference, Fernando said he had met with representatives of the Phillipine association of security guards and the national region police office about deputising security guards in Metro Manila to help fight against sidewalk obstruction.
Fernando said that there were over 100 00 security guards in Metro Manila, and many more around the country who would help in the their campaign against those who illegally sell their wares on sidewalks.
If MMDA plans were approved, security guards would be allowed to issue tickets to vendors selling in front of buildings to which they were assigned.
The MMDA's claims the use of security guards is necessary as part of its bid to ease sidewalk traffic by clearing obstructions.