Court stops closure of Quezon City market

MANILA, Philippines – Vendors and stall owners at the Cloverleaf Market in Balintawak, Quezon City can heave a sigh of relief, at least temporarily, after a local court on Wednesday stopped the closure of the establishment.

Judge Marilou Runes-Tamang of the QC Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued a 20-day temporary restraining order (TRO), preventing the city government from implementing a closure order it issued on Jan. 29.

Tamang cited possible repercussions to consumers as well as displacement of vendors in granting the TRO.

City administrator Aldrin Cuna said they would respect the order, noting market administrators should also comply with the requirement imposed by the city government.

Former Albay congressman and counsel for Cloverleaf Market Edcel Lagman said during the last hearing that the city government wanted to fast-track the closure to make way for a project of Ayala Corp.

Mayor Herbert Bautista has denied the allegation, saying the local government wanted to ensure the market does not violate structural specifications that may harm consumers.

Bautista said the city government was planning to construct a waste-water treatment facility in the area.