Press Release
June 10, 2008

KIKO DENOUNCES MMDA's UNNECESSARY USE OF FORCE AGAINST STREET VENDORS

The violence recently employed by agents of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) against street vendors is patently misplaced and violative of fundamental human rights, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today said.

"Mali naman para sa MMDA na sirain ang paninda at saktan ang mga nagtitinda. While it is true it is well within the police power of the State to implement measures for public good and order, such plenary power has limitations, one of which is that governmental acts must not be oppressive and confiscatory," Kiko said.

Senator Kiko, who was a human rights lawyer and advocate before being elected, denounced the unnecessary use of force, both current and in the past, of the MMDA against street vendors.

"Nandun na tayo mali ang puwesto ng mga nagtitinda, pero tama bang sirain ang mga tinda nila at saktan sila? Namumuhunan at sinusubukan ng mga manininda na kumita sa marangal na paraan, pang-aral ng kanilang mga anak at para hindi sila sumala sa pagkain. The operative term here is respect. The 'D' in MMDA is 'Development,' not 'Destruction,'" Kiko said.

In line with this, Senator Kiko reiterates his support for providing the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) more authority to enforce human rights.

"Destroying livelihood runs counter to the idea of development. Instead of abolishing livelihood, and ultimately hope, we should facilitate a more human way in dealing with our vendors. One way of doing this is organizing them, giving them a proper forum on where and how they will conduct their trade." Kiko ended.

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