De Lima asks Isko to create jobs for vendors displaced by clearing ops

Sen. Leila de Lima. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Create livelihood opportunities to poor families, especially the street vendors who were displaced by the city government’s clearing operations, Senator Leila de Lima urged Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Wednesday.

“Kahanga-hanga ang ipinapamalas na dedikasyon ni Mayor Isko sa paglilinis at pagsasaayos ng mga daan at lansangan sa Maynila,” De Lima said in a statement.

“Gayumpaman, nawa’y mapakinggan din sana niya ang mga saloobin ng mga nawalan ng hanapbuhay dahil sa isinagawang clearing operations,” the senator added.

As part of his campaign promise to restore the capital’s old glory, Moreno has conducted clearing operations in some of Manila’s busiest roads and commercial centers.

READ: Busy Manila roads still vendor-free

“Obligasyon natin bilang mga lingkod bayan na tulungan ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga tunay na nasa ibaba ng lipunan na makaahon sa gutom at kahirapan,” De Lima told Moreno.

De Lima added that she hopes Moreno can enlighten the public of his supposed plan to put up shopping center for the displaced vendors.

“With the challenges that come with being born poor, the less fortunate need to be given assurance by the government that their rights will always be respected and that there is still a bright future awaiting them in Manila,” she said. /jpv