MMDA clears Baclaran of vendors

MANILA, Philippines — As the Department of the Interior and Local Government began its 60-day countdown for the country’s local chief executives to reclaim public roads, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday began clearing Baclaran, a thriving vendors’ area that clogs Taft and Edsa Avenues, in Pasay City.

MMDA officials, as well as city officials of Pasay and Parañaque dismantled hundreds of structures in the area and confiscated truckloads of assorted items, from clothing to household wares, being sold on the sidewalks.

“These roads were being used for profit for a long time and it’s about time we reclaim it for the common good. Sidewalks are for pedestrians while public roads are for motorists,” said MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia.

The city officials said they would look for a permanent place for the vendors. —Krixia Subingsubing