• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government said it will not remove vendors operating along North Capitol Road as long as they have valid special permits and comply with the guidelines of City Ordinance No. 1009, which regulates street vending in Bacolod.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo and City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu clarified the city government’s stance on Wednesday, June 10, following concerns raised in a letter by Negros Occidental Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas Jr.
Mayo said the city implements a “no special permit, no vending” policy, with records showing that only 42 special permits have been issued for the area and all granted to food vendors.
He emphasized that any non-food vendors, particularly those selling ready-to-wear clothing, have no authority to operate along North Capitol Road and will be removed.
“It will be subject to our City Enforcement. In fact, our City Legal Office has already been informed, and we are also in coordination with the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD). We continue to regulate the area in all aspects such as sanitation, traffic safety, and other public concerns,” Mayo said.
He added that the city will discuss reports of unauthorized setups of tables and chairs with vendors to ensure that no equipment obstructs sidewalks or causes public disturbance.
Mayo said the city remains open to exploring options and studying the concerns raised by the provincial government.
Meanwhile, Chiu defended the regulatory powers of the Sangguniang Panlungsod over city roads, saying these are entirely within the bounds of the law. He said his office had provided Nellas with a copy of the ordinance.
“We will not allow the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s authority to regulate city streets to be questioned,” Chiu said.
North Capitol Road is one of eight areas designated for regulated vending, which the city government continues to implement gradually through regular dialogues with vendors.
Chiu emphasized that the city’s main objective is strict regulation, noting that he and Mayo are closely monitoring vendors and focusing on cleanup operations.
“It is just uncalled for that a letter was posted on Facebook implying that we are overstepping our authority. We are simply doing our job within the limits and bounds of the law,” Chiu said.
He added that vendors without special permits or those who fail to follow the rules will be cited for violations, which could lead to the cancellation of their permits. | TMD
