A marginalized group of vendors in Bais City, Negros Oriental is protesting the impending closure of the Merkado de Bais in time for the assumption of a Cebu-based operator of malls and supermarkets.
The group is set to stage protest actions and pickets due to oppose the plan of the city government to transfer almost 400 stall holders of the Merkado de Bais to the old satellite market in Barangay Talungon, which is several kilometers away from the poblacion area and lease out the modern market building to Gaisano Metro.
City legal officer Lloyd Elmaco confirmed earlier that the contracts are ready between the mall operator and the Bais City government.
Marlou Cedeño, spokesperson of stall holders occupying Merkado de Bais, decried what she said she believes as use of oppressive means and possible abuse of power in booting them out of the market, depriving them of their right to occupy the market, despite the signed and notarized petition that they have submitted before the Sangguniang Panlungsod opposing the plan of the city government during a public hearing for reasons that the old satellite market is small, unsanitary, not safe for them and is not accessible.
Cedeño claimed by 2 p.m., there are no more market-goers at the old satellite market compared to when they are at their present site that people still converge up to 8 p.m.
The petitioners lambasted Mayor Mercy Teves-Goñi’s leadership for being insensitive to the plight of the poor and the marginalized sector in favor of multi-billionaire companies like Gaisano Metro.
Cedeño asked why Gaisano Metro will not buy their own property in Bais City, and construct their own building so development can be dispersed, and spare the lowly vendors of what is theirs because Merkado de Bais was built purposely for them.
She said the petitioners would want to exercise their right over Merkado de Bais pleading for the leadership to reconsider their decision.
Reports have it that Gaisano Metro is expected to take over Merkado de Bais by March 17, and so by Feb. 15, it will be closed up to Feb. 28 for the preparation, while present stallholders will be relocated to the old satellite market. (PNA)
