The sidewalk clearing operations group said it will continue to clear the streets of sidewalk vendors and illegal structures in vendor-infested areas even if resigned Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando, known as “Hitler” because of his aggressive approach to clear the sidewalks of vendors, has vacated his post.

Lawyer Emmanuel De Castro, MMDA assistant general manager for operations, said the group will continue its usual clearing operations, especially this Christmas season when vendors increase and to clear Metro Manila’s roadways of all types of obstructions, where traffic is particularly heavy.

“Hindi porke’t wala na si chairman ay titigil na kami sa panghuhuli ng illegal sidewalk vendors, because we are mandated by the law to do that job,” said De Castro.

As part of MMDA’s efforts to improve traffic as well as the image of Metro Manila, the agency will continue to do its job even though there is a change of leadership.

However, De Castro said they are still waiting for newly appointed MMDA chairman former Judge Oscar Inocentes on the shooing away of street vendors.

Among the critical areas in Metro Manila, where illegal vendors proliferate, are Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

He said clearing the sidewalks and roadways will greatly contribute to lessening traffic congestion during the Christmas season.

Last Tuesday, Fernando made his last inspection at the “University Belt” in Sampaloc, Manila, and directed his men to clear the major thoroughfares from obstruction and eyesores, particularly along C.M. Recto Avenue, Mendiola, Legarda, Taft Avenue, España, where thousands of students pass daily in going to their respective schools.

Fernando pointed to the illegal structures of sidewalk vendors, clutter, and obstructions as eyesores in those areas.