Apart from its continuing campaign to eradicate illegal vendors, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday it will soon launch a crackdown against illegal public utility vehicle terminals in the metropolis, especially those “protected” by barangay officials and unscrupulous policemen for grease money.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said the agency has been receiving complaints from motorists and commuters about illegal terminals that operate because they are “protected” by men in uniform.

“Illegal terminals are giving grease money to corrupt traffic officials as fee if they block the major thoroughfares and obstruct the free flow of traffic,” said Fernando.

Roberto “Bobby” Esquivel, MMDA sidewalk clearing operations chief, said they will first remove the illegal terminals from Baclaran up to the stretch of Epifanio de los Santos Ave. (EDSA), Pasay City.

“We have observed that traffic clogged streets because so many areas are being used as terminals of jeepney, FXs, and other PUVs. Apart from illegal terminals isasabay na naming pati illegal vendors,” Esquivel said.

The MMDA also reiterated its call for local government units (LGUs) to stop coddling sidewalk vendors.

Esquivel said they have given enough time to the illegal vendors along Baclaran, Balintawak and Commonwealth Avenues to abandon the sidewalks, warning them that no vendor or merchandise will be spared once the clearing operation resumes.

“We are asking the help of the LGUS to help us in our campaign against illegal vendors by shooing them away the sidewalks,” said Esquivel.

He said MMDA men will coordinate with LGUs and local police in every operation that they will conduct.

“Problem comes when illegal sidewalk vendors during the operation would show us permits that were issued by local government units,” he said.

Esquivel said they noted that illegal vendors are mushrooming on streets and even footbridges, thus blocking traffic on the roads. Others have set up stalls on the sidewalks that clog the roads, irking pedestrians.

Even after certain areas have been cleared of ambulant vendors, Esquivel said illegal vendors come back.

“Hopefully with the help of the LGUs, hindi lang MMDA ang magmomonitor sa mga areas na nataboy na yung mga vendors,” he pointed.

The clearing operation group will first focus its operation against thousands of illegal vendors on the stretch of Roxas Boulevard Service Road, Commonwealth and other areas in Metro Manila, he said.