PASIG CITY — The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) convened on February 16 at the MMDA’s new office in Pasig City to tackle concerns over the treatment of illegal or informal street vendors during road clearing operations.
The meeting brought together PCUP Commissioner Reynaldo Galupo and MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III, along with officials from the Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office (HPSEPO) led by Francisco Martinez and the Special Operations Group–Task Force for Road Clearing (SOG-TFRC) headed by Gabriel Go.
MMDA officials noted that many vendors continue to occupy busy roads and sidewalks despite repeated clearing drives, sometimes engaging in unsafe practices that endanger both motorists and pedestrians. They emphasized that the problem requires sustainable interventions starting at the barangay and local government unit (LGU) levels, supported by coordinated efforts among national agencies. Authorities also stressed the need to provide vendors with practical livelihood alternatives.
For his part, Galupo underscored that enforcement must remain compassionate, saying vendors should never be subjected to inhumane treatment. He also recommended that confiscated goods be returned after operations. MMDA clarified that seized items are already released to vendors following existing procedures.
During the discussion, PCUP presented a proposed Joint Memorandum Circular titled “Refined Social Safeguards and Protocols in the Conduct of Road Clearing Operations Concerning Informal and Street Vendors,” which seeks to strengthen protective measures for vulnerable sectors during enforcement activities.
MMDA also cited previous initiatives such as the Balik Probinsya Program, which encourages urban migrants to return to their home provinces where livelihood opportunities—such as reforestation projects, urban farming, and freelance work—may be available.
Torre highlighted the importance of structural, long-term responses to congestion and informal vending, stressing the need to ease population pressure in Metro Manila. As an immediate step, the MMDA said it would review the proposed circular and submit its recommendations.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing coordination to ensure that public order and road safety are maintained while safeguarding the welfare and dignity of affected communities.
