MABALACAT CITY – Regulate or stop.
That was the directive issued by Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales to barangay captains and flea market traders on the holding of “tiangge” in all barangays effective July 1.
This after legitimate traders complained of the illegal operations of flea markets that have proliferated all around Mabalacat City, in total disregard of zoning laws and traffic regulations. The businessmen admitted they have been adversely affected by the operation of the tiangge.
In a memorandum dated June 11, 2013, Morales ordered the closure of the flea market if the operators “lack the necessary permits/clearances from the city government.”
“The absence of permits/clearances of the tiangge/flea market pertaining to its operations shall be construed as illegal in nature,” said Morales’s order.
For that singular act, Morales has earned the gratitude of legitimate traders and businessmen.
“Malaking bagay sa mga lehitimong negosyante sa ating bayan, itong pagpapahinto ni Mayor Boking sa mga tiangge,” said Deng Pangilinan, vice president of Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce (MCCII).
“Dati ang mga tiangge ay isang beses lang sa isang linggo kung magtinda pero ngayon halos araw-araw na sa mga ibat ibang barangay kaya malaking perwisyo sa mga negosyante natin sa public market”, Pangilinan added.
“The city mayor is planning to put up night markets like in Bangkok and Mongkok in Hong Kong para magkaroon ng economic activities sa Mabalacat pagsapit ng gabi”, according to Pangilinan.
Local commuters and motorists have also hailed Morales order, complaining of the spill-over of flea market vendors and their wares into major thoroughfares, constricting the flow of traffic.
“Lalo na yang sa Dau na talagang masikip na nga ang daan, kinakain pa ng mga tiangge,” complained Anthony Bundalian, a worker who daily commutes to his work in Clark from Xevera in Tabun.
Morales said he will look for ways on how to resolve the problem such as the setting up of a night market.
“We have to keep up with the entry of more tourists via the Clark International Airport. We have to have the flea market but of course we have to regulate so as have a semblance of economic prosperity.”
