Former Senate President Franklin Drilon has called on the public to uphold the rule of law amid the controversy involving bolanteros (ambulant vendors) in Iloilo City, emphasizing that respect for legal processes is essential to maintaining order and sustaining development.
“Let us follow the law,” he said, warning that failure to do so could lead to disorder and unrest in society.
Drilon stressed that the city’s progress—particularly through successful public-private partnerships (PPPs)—demonstrates the importance of lawful governance.
According to the former lawmaker, Ilonggos must continue to show that the city deserves investor confidence by supporting initiatives grounded in legality and transparency.
Drilon likened the situation to reforms during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, citing the nationwide clearing of road obstructions and the rehabilitation of Boracay as examples of effective law enforcement.
“If these laws were not implemented, Boracay would not have been rehabilitated,” he noted, underscoring the importance of discipline and compliance.
PPP Markets Praised
During his visit to Iloilo City on Tuesday, April 14, Drilon also lauded the redeveloped Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market, describing them as models of urban renewal and successful public-private partnerships.
Accompanied by Mayor Raisa Treñas, he said the facilities rank among the finest public markets he has seen in the country and even compared them to those in Europe for their cleanliness and modern design.
The redevelopment, undertaken through a partnership between the Iloilo City Government and SM Prime Holdings, involved an investment of approximately P3 billion, benefiting both vendors and consumers.
Drilon expressed hope that other local government units would replicate Iloilo’s PPP model.
He also commended the city’s leadership, noting its continuity from former mayor Jerry Treñas to the present administration of Mayor Raisa Treñas.IMT
