Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria has ordered the Task Force SAGARR, or Special Action Group Advocating Rapid Reforms, to enforce the law against ambulant vendors without let up.

Sagarbarria, who met with the task force Thursday, admitted there is no other solution to the perennial problem of ambulant vendors but to apprehend them, if the city could not find a place for them.

He said many of the vendors come from places outside Dumaguete and the city has to protect the legitimate businesses.

Except for the group of reflexology and massage therapists offering their services at the kiosk along the Rizal Boulevard, others in the area are illegal, the mayor said.

These include individuals who display souvenir items at the boulevard grounds from the afternoon until evening.

Sagarbarria said only three or four people had been initially allow to sell souvenir items at the boulevard as a “tourist attraction” but the number has risen since then.

Ambulant vendors who persist in selling at the Dumaguete public market before their prescribed period will be apprehended, he said.

Legitimate businesses have been constantly complaining against the ambulant vendors, who do not pay taxes and other fees to the government.*JFP

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