Fruit vendors at the Mandaue City Public Market in the Philippines received temporary relief after Mayor Thadeo "Jonkie" Ouano announced a moratorium on the implementation of a new ordinance requiring them to pay ₱1 (US$0.018) per kilo of fruit brought into the market.
The announcement was made on August 20, 2025, during a meeting between Ouano and fruit vendors, who had earlier appealed against the immediate enforcement of the fee. The ordinance, part of the city's market code, would have raised vendors' daily operating costs, many of whom work on limited margins.
"This is only a moratorium until the City Council can amend the market code, which still requires public hearings," Ouano said. He assured vendors that their concerns would be considered before any permanent implementation of the charges.
Brenda Mabanta, speaking on behalf of the vendors, said, "We are very happy that Mayor Jonkie understands our struggle and gave us time before the ordinance is enforced."
Ouano also directed City Councilor Ben Basiga, chairperson of the Committee on Market and Abattoir, to initiate amendments to the current code. He emphasized that revisions should balance revenue generation with the protection of small-scale vendors. "If possible, let's amend the market code so we can remain competitive with other cities, and most importantly, let's listen to the people," he told Basiga during the dialogue.
The meeting was also attended by City Administrator Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. and market personnel, including Malaquias Soco and Ofelia Pareja, who are tasked with overseeing the implementation of market regulations.
Source: SunStar
