• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Submission of applications for the Bacolod market amnesty program is ongoing to allow vendors in public markets and Manokan Country to regularize their stall ownership.
City administrator, Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, said July 29 that the amnesty, per the ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod last month, applies to qualified vendors operating in Libertad, Burgos, and Central markets, and the Manokan Country.
Applicants have a 60-day window to submit required documentation, beginning with a formal Letter of Intent, signing of an affidavit of undertaking, and an affidavit to prove that the applicant is the actual stall occupant.
Applicants must sign an undertaking to settle outstanding back accounts, or arrears, with payment terms ranging from three months to two years.
Under the ordinance, which grants a one-time amnesty on surcharges and interest, original awardees must submit an intent to avail of the amnesty, while current occupants are required to file for amnesty and eventual transfer of award.
Mayo said the Local Market Committee (LMC) began the orientation for Burgos Market vendors to outline the necessary paperwork and application process. Similar orientations will be done for vendors in the Central and Libertad markets, and at Manokan Country.
“With this ordinance, their payments will be significantly reduced because the surcharges, interest, and penalties will be waived, so the payment will focus only on the principal amount,” Mayo stressed.
“We call on the vendors to avail of this, because this is an opportunity to settle their obligations with the city regarding their business activities inside the market,” he added.
Following the 60-day application period, the LMC will convene to evaluate submissions, confirm stall awards for undisputed or single-applicant stalls, and resolve conflicting claims for stalls with multiple applicants. | TMD
