MMDA eyes pushcarts for vendors

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Tim Orbos is considering giving ambulant vendors pushcarts to help clear roads this Christmas.

He said yesterday he is set to meet with the metropolis’ 17 mayors to discuss ways to clear roads for the holidays.

He said these “mobile stores” will have a specific size and design so the vendors would no longer display their wares on sidewalks.

Orbos explained that he also wants vendors to earn a living this Christmas, but said that they will be regulated by putting them in the right location.

He is considering allowing the pushcarts in Balintawak, Cubao, Pasay Rotunda and Baclaran.   

Orbos also proposed a night market that will be open from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. so that they will not add to the congestion during the rush hour.

He said it is still up to local government officials to approve the proposals.

Orbos said that the MMDA’s sidewalk clearing groups regularly conduct clearing operations on EDSA, Blumentritt, Baclaran and Cubao.