UPGRADE PUBLIC MARKETS, VILLAR URGES

SENATE President Manny Villar filed a bill seeking to enhance and standardize the services of public markets throughout the country.

The market vendor-turned-senator who extensively undertook wet market rounds in his recent electoral campaign said that it is high time to make all public markets conform to international standards.

"The standardization of public market services nationwide will promote better agricultural and micro-business and the guarantee of public health," Villar said.

Senate Bill No. 243 entitled, "An Act instituting a National Market Code of the Philippines," seeks to establish basic policies and regulations as regards the construction and location of public markets, their sanitation, security, facilities, award and occupancy of stalls, and the collection and use of market fees.

In his explanatory note on the proposed measure, Villar said, "It need not be stressed that public markets are responsive and effective instruments of public service. They are also dynamic and viable enterprises which strengthen the financial capabilities of cities, municipalities and barangays."

"For the full realization of their potential as such, there is a need for a law that will develop, regulate, and standardize market systems and professionalize market services in all public markets throughout the country, whether owned by the government or by the private sector," he explained.

It shall supplement the provisions of the Local Government Code on the establishment, regulation, and maintenance of public markets.

Villar filed the bill as part of his five-point legislative agenda which includes health, agriculture and entrepreneurship (aside from environment and education).