The 19th Congress passed a bill promoting the rights of ambulant vendors in the country during its Third Regular Session last February 3.
Entitled “An Act Providing for the Rights of Informal Ambulant Vendors,” the bill seeks to recognize the informal sector by ensuring measures to protect their livelihood.
The sector includes individuals who “sell goods or offer non-professional services without a fixed business location.”
Passage of House Bill No. 11337 establishes key policies in the recognition, promotion, and protection of ambulant vendors.
Rights of Informal Ambulant Vendors
The “Magna Carta for Informal Ambulant Vendors” highlights the following rights:
- Right to renewal of registration as informal ambulant vendors for such designated vending place, subject to said person’s continued qualification as an informal ambulant vendor;
- Right to security of tenure in the designated vending place as assigned by the concerned LGU;
- Right to be recognized in other LGUs upon securing a prior certificate from the other LGU; and
- Right to social protection and safety nets, labor market programs, and social welfare interventions such as social security, health care, and insurance.
These rights are enjoyed by vendors registered with the local government depending on the city, municipality, or barangay where they are vending or intend to vend within its territorial jurisdiction.
Safety Measures
House Bill No. 11337 also safeguards informal ambulant vendors from unfair eviction or the demolition of their stalls without due process.
When relocation is required, local governments are obligated to offer temporary vending spaces.
Additionally, the bill mandates prior consultations and discussions–with authorities, informal ambulant vendors, police, and community members before any vending area is designated.
The legislation also “protects informal ambulant vendors from eviction without due process, and if no designated site is available, local governments must provide a temporary vending area.”
Opposition and Criticism
Despite its goals, other members of the House of Representatives opposed the bill’s provisions.
Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas shared that the measures are vague and general in terms of “specific interventions, programs, and safety nets.”
The Congresswoman highlighted that such gaps are rooted in the lack of genuine representation from the affected sector.
Moreover, Brosas expressed that the registration process imposed on ambulant vendors may lead to displacement and loss of livelihood.
House Bill No. 11337 must then bridge this limitation with the proper implementation of the policies, including the movement of vendors.
This ensures that the ambulant vendors are not only recognized but also treated humanely–from prior notice and due process to safe relocation.
In Cebu, the policies under the bill may help alleviate the issues faced by market vendors and urban poor members once enacted properly.
This will only be made possible once proper consultations and discussions are done with the sector.
The vending industry, especially the informal ambulant vendors, can look forward to its official enactment once it passes the readings under the Second House, the Conference Committee, the authentication from the Speaker and Senate President, and the approval of the President.
