Vendors cry foul over MMDA clearing operations along C-5 Road

Several vendors cried foul after they were forced to leave their retail spots during a clearing operation by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) at a bridge along C-5 Road in Taguig City.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion on Friday, several vendors were in tears when they expressed their resentment, accusing the MMDA of being "anti-poor."

"Ito ba pamasko niyo? Kami dalawang matanda, walang nagpapakain sa amin kaya ito nagpipilit kami sa bawal. Hindi naman kami nakakaistorbo eh… Bakit ganun? Tumulong kayo. Hindi niyo madadala sa langit ang trabaho niyo," said an elderly vendor, whose table was taken by MMDA personnel.

(Is this your Christmas gift? The two of us are old. No one feeds us, which is why we do what we do even if it isn't allowed. We aren't bothering anybody… Why are you doing this? You should help us. You won't be able to bring your jobs to heaven.)

"Ang dami-daming problema ng gobyerno na 'yan. Kami pang mahihirap lang ang nagtatrabaho ng marangal, 'yan pa idudulot nila sa amin," another vendor said.

(There are so many problems with this government. We poor people are the ones working honorably, and yet this is what they do to us.)

"Paano 'pag nagnakaw, ano sasabihin sa amin? 'Maghanap-buhay kayo nang marangal.' Ngayon naghahanapbuhay, huhulihin na parang nagnanakaw," one vendor said.

(If we steal, what would they say to us? 'Make an honest living.' Now that we are, they're arresting us like thieves.)

For its part, the MMDA said the lay-by underneath the bridge was reserved for emergencies and riders who need shelter during rain.

Selling is not allowed at the lay-by, the agency added.

"We are not anti-poor, it's just that we have to implement kung ano ang tama, (what is right)," said MMDA Special Operations Group Strike Force Officer-in-Charge Gabriel Go.

Meanwhile, the MMDA also issued traffic violation tickets for illegally parked vehicles in the area.

It vowed to be relentless in disciplining motorists even during the Holiday season. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VDV, GMA Integrated News