3-man team to probe selling of market spots

CEBU, Philippines — A three-man team was created by the City Legal Office to look into the alleged selling of rights in the night market.

City Legal Officer Rey Gealon said that notices for clarificatory hearing are already prepared to be sent to stakeholders, especially the different officers of market vendors' organizations.

"We will include in the investigation those connected with the city government who are suspected to be in cahoots with these scheming and unscrupulous vendors," said Gealon.

"Those vendors found to be liable will be blacklisted from the roll of beneficiaries of stalls in the market while those employees involved will be suspended, depending upon the gravity or seriousness of the act committed," he added.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella earlier ordered an investigation into the reported selling of spots in the night bazaar. Reports had it that each spot is sold from P5,000 to P20,000.

The city government launched the Cebu Night Bazaar, mostly known as night market, for the sidewalk vendors affected by the road clearing operations.

However, a week after it was implemented, it has been reported that there are vendors selling their spots to other people.

There were also reports that some City Hall workers have a hand in the selling of night market spots.

In a previous interview, Labella said that if during the investigation, it would be found out that City Hall workers are involved in the selling of night market spots, they will be possibly terminated especially if they are casuals.

He said the reason why the night market was not immediately implemented because he wanted to ensure that no corrupt practices will occur there.

The mayor also emphasized that what the city government is giving the vendors is the privilege to sell, not selling the privilege given to them. (FREEMAN)