BACOLOD City – The city government will be allowing vendors to do business at the Bacolod Public Plaza this holiday season.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia issued an Executive Order (EO) holding the “Paskwa sa Plaza” and allowing vendors to sell there.
The EO ordered the creation of a committee for this activity with Councilor Renecito Novero as chairperson and Councilor Ana Marie Palermo as vice chairperson.
On Thursday, Novero said the committee held a meeting to formulate the “Paskwa sa Plaza” rules and regulations.
Novero said “Paskwa sa Plaza” aims to bring good tidings to people, especially the poor, and is also a legitimate avenue for vendors to do business.
He, however, made it clear the vending would be regulated. Areas where vendors could position themselves have been identified:
* fruit vendors – on Luzuriaga Street of the public plaza
* ready-to-wear goods – on Gatuslao Street
* food – on San Juan Street
Novero said vendors must secure a business permit from city hall and must install Christmas lights in their respective stalls, added Novero.
The vending would be allowed until Jan. 6, 2020, he added.
The city government recently sought the legal opinion of the Department of Interior and Local Government regarding the request of several vendors to sell in the downtown area.
According to Novero, the DILG cited some legal principles, Supreme Court decisions and laws giving local government units in the authority to regulate the use of public roads, streets and similar places for certain authorized activities./PN
