GET CIGARETTE VENDORS OFF THE STREETS - FERNANDO

Manila, May 10, 2003 -- After its long-drawn campaign against sidewalk 
vendors, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now 
embarking on a drive to save teenagers who are forced to sell cigarettes 
and other items in the middle of the streets.

To start with, the MMDA's Metro Manila Council has approved Resolution No. 
03-13 identifying 25 major thoroughfares as “no ambulant vending zone.”

The resolution urges local government units of Metro Manila to enact 
ordinances that will ban vendors, of any age, from selling goods in the 
middle of major thoroughfares in any part of the metropolis.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando noted that hundreds of vendors, particularly 
young boys and girls, are forced to sell cigarettes, newspapers, candies 
and other goods in the middle of secondary roads and major thoroughfares in 
Metro Manila.

“These vendors usually chase moving vehicles even in the middle of the 
streets, roads, thoroughfares and ride to sell their goods to the 
passengers,” the resolution said.

“Such acts do not only cause traffic but also traffic-related accidents, 
thereby endangering the lives of the vendors and the commuters,” it added.

According to the MMDA, fines which shall be determined later on by the LGUs 
and imprisonment will be imposed on violators.

Fernando said the regulation is in line with the thrust of the MMDA to 
promote public safety and rationalize the use of existing thoroughfares.

The MMDA has urged the respective city and municipal councils of the 17 
LGUs in Metro Manila to pass their own ordinances in order to effect a 
metro-wide launching of the drive.

Among the goods to be banned by the MMDA from being peddled on the roads 
are magazines, junk foods, fruits, flowers, bottled water and softdrinks, 
car and cellphone accessories, face towels, or any other goods that may be 
bought for such purpose.

The MMDA said ambulant vending should be banned, particularly in the 25 
identified thoroughfares, namely, Edsa, España, Quirino, Commonwealth, 
Ramon Magsaysay, Aurora Boulevard, MacArthur Highway, Rizal Avenue, J. 
Luna-Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Claro M. Recto, Ortigas Avenue, Buendia 
Avenue, Pasay Road, Taft Avenue, South Super Highway, J. P. Rizal, Shaw 
Boulevard, Legarda, Alfonso Mendoza-A. Bonifacio-Quirino Highway, J. Abad 
Santos Avenue, P. Burgos-Ayala Bridge, Pres. Quirino Avenue, Sen. Gil 
Puyat, Zapote Bicutan, Makati Avenue, Roxas Boulevard and A. Rodriguez Avenue.

Fernando said aside from the MMDA, the LGUs, including barangay officials, 
tanods, bantay bayan and Philippine National Police are tasked to strictly 
enforce this ordinance.