Photo courtesy of Avito Dalan/PNA
Senator Erwin Tulfo raised concerns over an alleged extortion system involving street vendors who were reportedly apprehended when they failed to give money to certain local authorities.
Tulfo made the remarks during a joint Senate committee hearing on proposals seeking to establish a Magna Carta for informal ambulant vendors.
He said some vendors were allegedly allowed to operate after paying certain individuals, while others faced apprehension despite trying to earn a modest living.
Tulfo said the practice was unfair and placed an additional burden on vendors who already had limited daily income.
League of Municipalities of the Philippines representative Mary Ann De Vera acknowledged that not all local governments had prioritized formal registration systems for ambulant vendors.
De Vera cited Barcelona, Sorsogon, as one municipality that had registered vendors and assigned designated vending areas and carts.
Tulfo said the lack of clear local ordinances could leave vendors vulnerable to abuse, including repeated demands for payments from different groups or authorities.
He urged the passage of legislation and local measures to protect vendors while maintaining proper regulation, and reminded the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority not to confiscate merchandise during clearing operations whenever possible.