EDITORIAL - Put those vendors in their proper places

Tomorrow, the Cebu City government will conduct another massive clearing operation along sidewalks around the downtown area and hundreds of vendors are given until noon to vacate the spots they are occupying.

But Councilor Alvin Dizon expressed concerns about the fate of the street vendors who will be displaced by the clearing operations, saying interests should be balanced so as not to prejudice their livelihood.

“Government should also recognize and uphold the rights of the street vendors and the working poor to a dignified livelihood,” said Dizon, “let me be clear that I’m not suggesting that we should not put order and cleanliness on our streets. All I’m saying is for the city government to place the interests of the vendors on the same table as those of the rich and business sector.”

The councilor went on to explain that vending is permitted in other countries although there are regulations set on locations and time of operations. “We can make Cebu a model city of inclusive development if we work closely with urban planners, civil society groups, as well as the vendors themselves.”

However, while Dizon acknowledged that government assistance is still necessary in order for street traders to survive, those vendors mushrooming around the downtown area really need to go.

We have to accept the fact that for decades, these vendors have been obstructing streets and sidewalks, only causing serious traffic problems. In fact, their seemingly chaotic presence has become eyesores that tourists are becoming hesitant to visit the downtown’s historic places.

Now, in compliance with the order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to clear the roads from obstructions, Mayor Edgardo Labella needs to fully exercise his power in the drive to rid the downtown streets and sidewalks of vendors.

It’s time to put those vendors in their proper places. The city just cannot let them just grab a space beside the streets and on the sidewalks and erect their stalls, which can only inconvenience the motorists and pedestrians.