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Manila vendors are facing disruptions to their livelihoods as authorities carry out clearing and security operations ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines. The preparations in Pasay City have sparked criticism from lawmakers and labor groups, who are raising concerns about the impact on small businesses, street vendors and low-income communities near major summit venues.

The controversy centers on efforts to clear areas surrounding major summit venues in Pasay City, including the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Street vendors, food stalls, and small eateries have reportedly been affected by temporary restrictions imposed ahead of the international gathering.

Critics argue that the measures risk pushing vulnerable residents and informal workers out of public spaces to present a cleaner image of the capital to visiting foreign leaders.

Vendors Lose Income During Summit Preparations

Among those affected are small food businesses and street vendors in areas near the summit venues. Some establishments were reportedly instructed to temporarily suspend operations as authorities implemented tighter security and traffic management measures.

The restrictions have raised concerns among workers and business owners who depend on daily sales to support their families.

ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio criticized the clearing operations, alleging that the government was attempting to hide Manila’s poverty from visiting foreign delegates.

He also compared the situation to beautification campaigns during the administration of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., when authorities faced criticism over efforts to improve the capital’s appearance ahead of international events.

The controversy gained wider attention after international media reported on the installation of large barriers displaying artwork by Filipino National Artists along parts of J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City.

DSWD Provides ₱10,000 Assistance to Affected Vendors

In response to the disruption, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced financial and food assistance for affected vendors.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said an initial assessment identified around 30 vendors who lost income because of the temporary suspension of business operations.

Each eligible vendor was set to receive up to ₱10,000 in cash assistance, along with Family Food Packs.

The agency also coordinated with the Pasay City government to identify other individuals and small business owners who may have been affected by the restrictions.

Dumlao said affected vendors who wish to temporarily return to their home provinces may also seek assistance through the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

Palace Defends Clearing Operations

Malacañang defended the government’s preparations, saying the clearing operations were part of security measures for the arrival of foreign leaders and delegates.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained that the preparations were intended to ensure the safety of nearly 20 heads of state and other international visitors expected to attend the summit.

The Palace also rejected the suggestion that the operations were simply beautification efforts, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating the country’s ability to host major international events.

Questions Remain Over the Impact on Poor Communities

While hosting the ASEAN Summit provides the Philippines with an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and economic relationships with neighboring countries, the controversy has highlighted the challenges faced by ordinary Filipinos during large-scale international events.

The financial assistance announced by the DSWD provides temporary support, but questions remain about how many workers and businesses have been affected and when they will be allowed to resume normal operations.

For displaced vendors and small business owners, the most immediate concern is the loss of daily income needed to provide for their families.

As summit preparations continue, the government faces the challenge of balancing security requirements and the country’s international commitments with the livelihoods and welfare of communities living and working near major event venues.