Market stalls in Zamboanga City's Sta. Cruz area are locked due to persistent rule-breaking violations.
On August 15, 31 stalls at the bustling Sta. Cruz Market in Zamboanga City were closed following non-compliance with market regulations. The closures were enforced due to vendors operating without valid business permits and failing to pay required licenses, taxes, fees, and other charges, despite receiving repeated warnings.
The closures were pursuant to Ordinance 2008-148 and Sections 3 and 20 of City Ordinance No. 92-008. These ordinances require all stallholders to maintain updated permits and settle their financial obligations regularly (daily, monthly, quarterly, or annually). Unfortunately, some vendors had outstanding dues for up to a year.
The process followed due legal process, as the affected stallholders received three written notices and a final demand before the closure. The enforcement aimed to ensure fairness among all stallholders, protect those compliant with regulations, and maintain orderly market operations. The operation was carried out jointly by personnel from the City Hall Business Permits and Licensing Office, City Administrator’s Office, and the Zamboanga City Police Office.
The market will continue to undergo inspections on August 18 at the Bagsakan Sta. Cruz Market to cover other stalls with the same violations. The regulations are intended to ensure that all market operations are conducted in a fair and orderly manner, benefiting both vendors and consumers alike.
- Despite the market regulations in Zamboanga City, some vendors at the Sta. Cruz Market continue to operate without valid permits and outstanding financial obligations, as demonstrated by the closures of 31 stalls due to non-compliance.
- In accordance with Ordinance 2008-148 and Sections 3 and 20 of City Ordinance No. 92-008, the city authorities are enforcing the regular payment of licenses, taxes, fees, and other charges and require all stallholders to maintain updated business permits to ensure fair and orderly market operations in Zamboanga City.
