Satellite market in Cotabato capital padlocked for failing to secure franchise

A privately-owned satellite market in Kidapawan City has been shut down for failing to secure a franchise to operate from the city government. The Squaremart satellite market in Barangay Poblacion is home to more than 20 stall vendors. WILLIAMOR A. MAGBANUA

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — The local government in this city has shut down a satellite market for failing to secure a franchise.

Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista said the city government had issued notice of violations to the owner of Squaremart, a satellite market operating in Barangay Poblacion, for failure to secure a franchise from the city council.

Aside from the 20 stall owners affected by the shutdown, another 28 stalls in the city’s mega market – the main market here – were also closed down due to failure of the owners to renew their business permits.

“We already gave them ample time to comply but still, they failed (to meet the requirements) for some unknown reasons,” Evangelista said.

The Kidapawan city government has passed an ordinance this year regulating the operation of satellite markets, after “talipapas” mushroomed in various areas near the central district.

Satellite markets can be found in Barangay Poblacion, Magsaysay, Sudapin, and Singao.

Although most of the stall owners pay monthly rentals to private operators, some satellite markets operate without a franchise but continue to collect monthly rentals from stall occupants.

Aside from their monthly rentals, stall owners in satellite markets are also required to secure business permits from the city government before operating.

But some complied with the requirements, others operate without renewing their business permits.

“It may be harsh but we want equal treatment among our vendors,” the mayor said. “If others can comply with the requirements, why can’t you?” he asked, referring to those who failed to comply.

Evangelista said he did not spare even his relative, whose satellite market was also closed down for failing to secure a franchise.

“The law is for everybody,” he said. He also refused to negotiate. “There is no room for negotiation. Secure your franchise and we will let you operate business in the city,” he said.

But he invited vendors, who had business permits but were affected by the shutdown of the Squaremart satellite market, to use some allotted spaces at the Bagsakan in Magsaysay and to participate in Merkado Kidapaweño, a Saturday market in front of city hall.

“That’s the least that we can offer to help. Vendors, too, need to survive,” the mayor said.

Evangelista urged private owners of satellite markets to secure their franchises with the city to avoid inconvenience.

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