There was tension between Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel and some sidewalk vendors in the City of Manila ahead of Traslacion or the procession of the image of Hesus Nazareno as part of the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno that will be held on Thursday.
In Ian Cruz’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, MMDA personnel and staff from an eatery located along Arlegui Street got into a heated argument after the former confiscated one of the tables.
The MMDA personnel were removing items that were blocking the road where the procession will pass, including barbecue grillers and chicken cages. Meanwhile, motorcycles and tricycles on the sidewalk were also towed.
Along Carlos Palanca Street, delivery riders panicked as they removed their items ordered online from the sidewalk as MMDA personnel arrived. One rider tried to get away but he ended up running over some of his items.
“Hindi po kasi kasya sa loob kaya sila nagso-sort sa labas. Wala na po kasing space sa loob,” one delivery rider explained.
(There’s no space available inside, that’s why we sort out the items outside.)
Barangay 647 chairperson Suharto Buleg said they already advised riders not to sort out their delivery items on the sidewalk.
For some sidewalk vendors, they understood the need to clear the roads for the traditional procession.
“Aalis muna, [kailangan] sumunod po sa patakaran po,” a vendor said.
(We have to leave, for now, because the rules should be followed.)
The MMDA also issued tickets and towed vehicles near San Sebastian Church to clear the narrow streets, including Fraternal and Vergara Streets.
“Mayroon pong pailan-ilan talaga na humahambalang pa rin sa flow ng traffic, mga illegal parking. May pailan-ilan na mga sidewalk obstructions, so nilinis po natin ito,” said Gabriel Go, MMDA Special Operations Strike Force OIC.
(There were some obstructions that can affect the flow of traffic such as those that are illegally parked. There were also some obstructions on the sidewalk, so we cleared them.)
Portions of Mabuhay Lanes, that will serve as alternative routes, were also inspected by the MMDA for possible obstructions.
A rerouting plan is in place as several roads in the City of Manila will be closed to vehicular traffic starting 9 p.m. from Wednesday, January 8 to Thursday, January 9 to give way for the upcoming celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno and the annual Traslacion. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News
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