The Department of Transportation (DOTr), working with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), will be evicting vendors from the MRT-3 north and southbound walkways to ensure these areas are clear and free of obstructions to accommodate the flow of passengers and pedestrians.
“Naiintindihan naman natin sila at nakakaawa rin dahil kailangan nilang maghanap buhay, pero they cannot be here. Nagpapasikip sila sa mga pasahero at pedestrian, kawawa rin sila,” DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said during his inspection of the MRT-3 and LRT-1 Taft/EDSA Stations.
(We understand and feel sorry for them because they have to make a living, but they cannot be here. They are crowding the space for passengers and pedestrians, who are also pitiful.)
Moreover, he denounced Metro Point Mall’s practice of charging vendors along the MRT-3 southbound exit for rent, despite the space being government-owned.
“Unang-una bawal doon. Hindi dapat sila hinaharang sa dinadaanan ng tao. At bakit Metro Point ang nagcha-charge dun, government property ‘yan? Papatanggal na natin yung mga vendor dun,” Dizon declared.
(First of all, they are not allowed there. They should not be blocking people’s way. And why is Metro Point charging there, when that’s government property? We’re going to remove the vendors there.)
The move aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to clear pathways of obstructions to ensure the smooth flow of passengers to and from rail lines.
