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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Iloilo City public markets belong to people, says Bayan Muna Panay

Iloilo City public markets belong to people, says Bayan Muna Panay

Published Apr 15, 2026 10:08 pm
BOLANTEROS and Drilon (Tara Yap)
BOLANTEROS and Drilon (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – Bayan Muna Panay has called out former Sen. Franklin Drilon for telling fellow Ilonggos to prove that Iloilo City is worthy of the P3-billion redevelopment of two public markets – the Iloilo Central Market and the Iloilo Terminal Market – by a prominent property developer.
“The privatization of the Iloilo Central Market and the Iloilo Terminal Market (Super) is not a debt owed by Ilonggos to SM Prime Holdings Inc.,” said Bayan Muna Panay on Wednesday, April 15, following Drilon’s statements during highly publicized market visits here on Tuesday, April 14.
Drilon was accompanied during the visit by Mayor Raisa Treñas, whose administration is facing a backlash over the violent clearing operation on bolanteros (ambulant vendors) last April 10.
These bolanteros were no longer allowed to sell fruits and vegetables nightly after SM Prime Holdings redeveloped the Iloilo Terminal Market, which is known as the city’s bagsakan or drop-off center.
Drilon said bolanteros should follow the law if they want to legally sell like vendors who are renting stalls inside. He said such projects are necessary, especially with the oil crisis, which would render other people jobless.
Bayan Muna Panay said Drilon has a conflict of interest as he is an appointed independent director of BDO Unibank Inc. owned by the SM Group.
Bayan Muna Panay added it was not in the advantage of the Iloilo City government and the public when SM took over the two public markets featuring a mini-mall and a grocery.
Bayan Muna Panay urged protection for vendors.
“What needs protection are the small vendors and bolanteros who continue to suffer the consequences of market privatization approved by local officials,” Bayan Muna Panay said.
“Public markets must be returned to public control. Vendors must be guaranteed secure stalls, fair access, and dignified working conditions," the group added.
Drilon visited the two markets while in this city for the launching of his book, “Being Frank: A Memoir,” at the University of the Philippines Visayas on Tuesday afternoon. (with a report from PNA)

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