MAGALONG NOT SUPPORTIVE ON BUSKING ORDINANCE

August 8, 2022 Metro BLISTT

Mayor Benjamin Magalong Monday thumbed down the proposal to regulate street performances after the city
council recently approved a city ordinance to that effect. “It is not the right time,” said Magalong after Monday’s
flag ceremony at the City Hall grounds adding that people, including artists and musicians earn meager during Sunday’s closure of Session Road and allowing such.

Magalong said to wait. “We are in recovery stage (from the Covid-19 pandemic). (We have to) support these (buskers), the vendors, the merchants.” He added that the “objective of imposing fees is to generate funds. Mabigat
(stiff) for those recovering, it is not the right time.” During Monday’s interview, Magalong also said that the local government must “give livelihood now. Some in need we give free ayuda, free livelihood program, (some are
given) subsidy by the city.” “I don’t agree in charging of fee,” he added.

Last July 25, the City Council, during its regular session, approved on first reading a proposed ordinance regulating the conduct of busking in the city. Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr., author of the ordinance, said that there is a need for the creation of a Street Performance development ng isang sidewalk sa kahabaan ng Bonifacio Street.

Nais umano ni Magalong na ang mga aksyong ito ay isang litmus case sa isang tanggapan ng gobyerno na nagsampa ng naturang reklamo laban sa isa pang tanggapan ng gobyerno upang ipakita na seryoso ang local government unit sa pagtigil sa katiwalian.

Zaldy Comanda/ABN