Vendors, citizens launch protest actions on PPP mode in market development
As the city council is expected to vote on whether to ratify the terms of reference for the development of the city public market, concerned citizens launched on Nov. 9 a signature campaign opposing what they believe will lead to “mallification” of the historic site.
By: Rimaliza A. Opina
As the city council inches closer to making a decision of whether or not to ratify the terms of development of the city public market, vendors and citizens have launched several campaigns against the local government’s plan of developing the market through partnering with a private developer.
Citizens, vendors sign protest against PPP.
On Nov. 9, the group called the Save the Baguio Public Market Movement launched at the Block 4, a signature drive that appealed to the city council to consider another modality in the development of the market, instead of a public-private partnership (PPP).
Citizens’ signatures have also been gathered at Malcolm Square and at areas where people congregate. These signatures, along with a copy of their petition will be submitted to the city council.
Weeks prior, the group staged a skit and concert at the market, an umbrella protest at the height of Typhoon Uwan, and also attended public consultations reiterating their stand that the development plan will result in the “mallification” of the market once implemented.
The group’s sentiment stems from the fact that the SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) was awarded the original proponent status (OPS) whose offer will have to be outmatched by another interested developer in the event the project reaches the stage called the “Swiss challenge”.
In their petition, the Save the Baguio Public Market Movement said the proposed development by SMPH will displace over 4,000 vendors.
In the SMPH plan, all vendors will be relocated at the slaughterhouse at Barangay Sto. Nino for a period of two years during construction.
The group said this plan will have economic repercussions on the vendors as buyers might opt to buy from small-scale sellers in some areas of the market, which is not included in the area to be developed. They say, only a few buyers will make the effort to take another jeepney ride to the market relocation site.
The group added, the other terms are disadvantageous to public interest, the vendors, and the LGU.
The 50-year right for SMPH to manage and operate the fifth to seventh level of the building is too long according to the petitioners.
“The proposed 50-year lease period is an excessive and inequitable term that effectively transfers control of a public asset to a private entity for half a century – an arrangement tantamount to privatization under another name,” the group said.
The types of business SMPH intends to allow at areas where it is allowed to operate could also siphon clients of vendors, the petition states.
Instead of a PPP, the Save the Baguio Public Market Movement suggested for the city government to develop the market using its own funds.
The group said they are not against the improvement of the market, but this should be under terms that favor small and micro enterprises, not “corporate giants”.
SMPH has proposed to finance the development for P4.5 billion.
In their past statements, former City Administrator and then chair of the selection committee and negotiating panel Bonifacio dela Pena and City Budget Officer Leticia Clemente said the city government does not have enough funds to finance the redevelopment of the city market.
Meanwhile, committee on laws chair Paolo Salvosa assured the residents that the city council will decide according to data presented.
Under the PPP Ordinance, the city council has 120 days from receipt of the City Development Council Endorsement to act on the referral. The committee on laws to whom the CDC resolution was referred to is expected to submit its recommendation on or before January 2026.
