MANILA — Street vendors in the city of Manila staged a “die-in” in front of the city hall Aug. 5, to protest the series of clearing operations being conducted all over the city.
“All forms of attacks against our livelihoods must stop. We implore on the newly-installed government to defend our legitimate right,” Gemma Parina, Kadamay – Manila District 5 chairperson, said.
The vendors group said Manila mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered a series of clearing operation in the city, affecting sidewalk vendors in Blumentritt, Divisoria, Carriedo, and Taft Avenue.
Parina denied allegations that there are syndicates backing them, and said it is the lack of decent-paying jobs that has pushed them to become street vendors.
During their protest, vendors called on President Duterte to intervene in their issue.
Parina said Duterte wants streets free of crime, “not to rid it of small vendors who are making a decent living.”
Manila vendors said more protests would hound the government.
Text By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Photos by KATHY YAMZON
