Mayor to hear driver complaints

MAYOR Mauricio Domogan is set to hear complaints of jeepney operators, drivers and commuters over the proposed use of Perfecto Street for the night market extension.

Domogan said he will hear the complaints of the jeepney group and suggest a compromise if possible.

“I will call them and find out if their operation is until 10pm,” said the mayor.

Geoffrey Tongawan, representing jeepney associations along Perfecto Street said current operations of the night market is already causing discomfort for jeeps plying the Harrison Road–Lake Drive area and lamented the planned

expansion of the night market will further disrupt operations.

Domogan however is suggesting the use of the Lake Drive area for jeepneys at night so operations will not be hampered by the planned night market extensio.

A petition has been submitted to city officials and is backed by 1,554 oppositors composed of officers, operators, drivers and commuters of Kias –PMA, Scout Barrio, Balsigan, Campo Sioco, Green Water, Military Cut off, Gabriela Silang, Bakakeng Norte, Sur and Central against the Baguio City Market Authority (BCMA) which recently approved the night market extension along Perfecto Street.

Petitioners also fear safety of the public if the extension pushes through with the primary concern of servicing commuter until 11 p.m.

Tongawan said jeeps along Perfecto Street area operate until 12midnight and if the extension pushes through, would adversely affect operations of jeeps stationed in the area.

Domogan is standing firm on the decision to expand the night market to Perfecto Street which will cater to walk in vendors who have been waiting for slots in the Harrison Road stretch in vain for years despite the appeals to stop expansion to keep profits within reach.

The mayor said the night market provides livelihood to small businesses, income for the city as well as gives tourists an added attraction.

Tongawan said current operations of the night market have also been causing problems for the commuting public with vendors setting up earlier than the agreed 9 p.m. closure of the road causing jeeps to reroute and pedestrians to lose the sidewalk.

Domogan likewise called on complainants who know of vendors setting up earlier than the scheduled time to come forward and air complaints to which the erring vendors will be dealt with.

“Pinpoint who violates and we will take them out [of the night market],” Domogan said.