Moreno denies being anti-poor as he cleans up Manila

July 18, 2019

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno debunked "anti-poor" accusations amid his city clean-up drive which has affected illegal sidewalk vendors. 

In a radio interview over dzBB Thursday, Moreno said it was hard for him to see individuals getting arrested as part of his campaign to have a clean and decongested city.

He denied accusations that he was anti-poor for banishing sidewalk vendors. 

"That's not true. I challenged each and everyone, the vendors in Ylaya, Tabora, Sto. Cristo they were there but they are organized. In return I don't make them pay more (for their space)," Moreno said. 

He said sidewalk vendors were asked to leave streets so there will be more spaces for pedestrians and vehicles. 

"This is a war between the 'organizers' and the government. The vendors can make a living without causing detriment to the citizens. It's the public's rights to use the streets in Manila," he explained. 

Last Monday, Moreno presented a suspected 'organizer' who admitted she collects P500 per day from sidewalk vendors who occupy the space in Recto.

The suspect said she has no official document to prove ownership.   

Moreno said he is just doing his job as the city's mayor.  "I'm doing what a mayor normally does," he said. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS