(UPDATED) The United Vendors Alliance and members of Anakbayan Metro Manila reopened food stalls along R. Papa in Morayta, Manila after a week of being forced closed by the Manila City government. Vendors re-brand their establishments from “Hepa Lane” to “Happy Lane.”
Happy Lane has been known for offering the most affordable meals to students at the heart of the University Belt since 2004.
Manila’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) head, Engineer Rafael ‘Che’ Borromeo crashed the opening of Happy Lane and threatened to demolish the stalls. As of press time, tension rose up as demolition team from the DPS and cops arrived in the area.
Borromeo insisted, “It is the vendor’s privilege to have livelihood in the city.”
The Manila City government issued and implemented a closure order last October 12 over “sanitation” issues. Borromeo said that they received complaints from Far Eastern University students regarding cases of hepatitis due to food sold in Happy Lane.
Happy Lane vendors belied the accusation and said that their goods are clean and that they will not compromise health of the students and of their customers.
They also said that they are on guard and are regulating their ranks in terms of serving clean food to their customers for this is their main source of their daily income.
They also saw deeper reasons for the local government’s eagerness in sweeping them away from their livelihoods.
According to Rene Baclion, spokesperson of the Morayta-R. Papa Vendors Association said, “Corporate food chains would benefit from the closure of our stalls. The connivance of the local government and of corporate interests are becoming more evident as the DPS is becoming more eager to destroy our ranks.”
Happy Lane vendors vowed to defend their stalls at all cost and assert their right to decent livelihood for this is their only means for survival.
“Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada is violating our right to live. We are working decently and fairly. We have nothing to fear,” said Baclion.
Kyle Atienza, Anakbayan FEU chairman and a regular customer of Happy Lane said, “We are convinced that food being served in Happy Lane is safe and clean. Happy Lane is of big help for students and people who have small budget.”
In less than an hour, after Borromeo left, DPS personnel escorted by Philippine National Police tried to confiscate the food stalls and successfully got hold of two. Food sold by the vendors flew and were crushed all over the place. The confiscation of food stalls were said to be upon orders by Borromeo who said these food stalls do not have a permit.
The United Vendors Alliance said they would hold an indignation rally in Manila City Hall within the day.
