A privately-owned satellite market in Kidapawan City has been shut down for failing to secure a franchise to operate from the city government. The Squaremart satellite market in Barangay Poblacion is home to more than 20 stall vendors. WILLIAMOR A. MAGBANUA
KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — The local government in this city has closed a satellite market for not obtaining a franchise.
Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista stated that the city government issued notices of violation to Squaremart, a satellite market operating in Barangay Poblacion, for its failure to secure a franchise from the city council.
In addition to the closure of Squaremart, 28 stalls in the city’s main market were also closed down due to the owners’ failure to renew their business permits, affecting a total of 20 stall owners.
“We gave them enough time to comply, but they still failed to meet the requirements for unknown reasons,” said Evangelista.
The city government passed an ordinance this year to regulate the operation of satellite markets after the proliferation of “talipapas” in various areas near the central district.
Satellite markets can be found in Barangay Poblacion, Magsaysay, Sudapin, and Singao.
While many stall owners pay monthly rentals to private operators, some satellite markets operate without a franchise but continue to collect monthly rentals from stall occupants.
In addition to their monthly rentals, stall owners in satellite markets are required to obtain business permits from the city government before operating.
While some stall owners complied with the requirements, others operated without renewing their business permits.
“It may seem harsh, but we want equal treatment for all our vendors. If others can comply with the requirements, why can’t you?” the mayor questioned in reference to those who failed to comply.
Evangelista emphasized that he did not exempt his own relative, whose satellite market was also closed down for not securing a franchise.
“The law applies to everyone,” he stated, adding that there is no room for negotiation. “Secure your franchise, and we will allow you to operate your business in the city,” he firmly stated.
However, he invited vendors affected by the closure of Squaremart to use allotted spaces at the Bagsakan in Magsaysay and participate in Merkado Kidapaweño, a Saturday market in front of city hall, to help them sustain their businesses.
“That’s the least we can offer to help. Vendors also need to survive,” the mayor said.
Evangelista urged private owners of satellite markets to obtain franchises from the city to avoid inconvenience.
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Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
