‘LET US FOLLOW THE LAW’: Drilon urges ‘bolanteros’ to comply with market rules

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

“Let us follow the law because that is the key.”

This was the appeal of Former Senator President Franklin Drilon to transient vendors or bolanteros who had been subject to the strict enforcement of the city government of Iloilo, prohibiting them from selling within a distance of 100 meters from the market premises.

Since March, the city government, through the Local Economic Enterprise Office, has tightened enforcement following the reopening of the redeveloped Iloilo Terminal (Super) Public Market and the Central (Tienda Mayor) Public Market, both upgraded under a redevelopment project involving SM Prime Holdings Inc.

The presence of bolanteros around the Terminal Market had previously been tolerated before and during the redevelopment phase, but authorities have since begun clearing operations after the modernized markets opened.

Drilon, who is also an independent director of BDO Unibank Inc., the banking arm of SM Group, said adherence to local laws is essential to maintaining order and sustaining economic development.

“My appeal to the Ilonggos, let us follow the rules. Whatever the policy is, let us comply with it, because if it is not followed, we will have chaos, and we will never be able to move forward,” he said.

“Let us follow the law because that is the key. An orderly society is the key to the progress of any establishment, of any place,” he added.

Drilon drew parallels to past national policies, including former President Rodrigo Duterte’s clearing of sidewalks and the temporary closure and rehabilitation of Boracay Island, as examples of strict enforcement leading to perceived improvements.

“These are examples that when you enforce the law, especially if it is a just order, people will follow, and we can move forward,” he said.

“[These] demonstrate that when you follow the rule of law, you follow the rules, then you cannot go wrong,” he added.

Adherence to policies benefits the broader public and helps ensure more stable development in communities, Drilon said.

Unchecked informality in economic activity could hinder inclusive growth, he added.

“Instead of growing our economy, instead of increasing our poverty rate, let us increase the number of people who can sustain themselves. That is what I am asking from our fellow citizens. Let us follow the rules. I personally saw how successful a partnership between the private sector and the local government was,” he said.

He called on Ilonggos to show investors, particularly SM Group, that the city is worthy of their investments.