MANILA — Urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) has condemned the clearing operations in parts of Metro Manila ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit on Nov. 16 to 18, saying the activities have displaced vendors, small food business owners, and transport workers.

In a statement, KADAMAY said clearing operations have affected ambulant vendors and carinderia owners in Baclaran, Parañaque, as well as areas of Pasay and Manila near the summit venues.

The group also reported that jeepney drivers along Pasay Road had been prohibited from using their terminals until the conclusion of the regional gathering.

KADAMAY said several displaced vendors claimed they had yet to receive any assistance from the government following the clearing operations.

Secretary General Mimi Doringo criticized the administration’s preparations for the summit, which is expected to bring together leaders from Southeast Asian countries, including United States President Donald Trump.

“Parang asong hindi magkandaugaga si Marcos sa kahihintay para sa pagbisita ng amo niyang si Trump. Matagal nang hinaing ng mamamayan ang sapat na pondo sa kabuhayan at serbisyo, pero walang pakialam si Marcos. Pero pagdating sa pagpapabango sa amo nyang si Trump, mahigit 22 bilyong piso agad ang inilaan na pondo dito,” Doringo said.

She questioned how affected workers would provide for their families while their sources of income remained disrupted by the clearing operations.

“Saan kukuha ng pambili ng pagkain ang mga tinanggalan ng kabuhayan para sa kanilang pamilya? Anong budget ang pagkakasyahin ng mga manininda at mga tsuper kung wala silang kikitain habang nagpapa-cute si Marcos kay Trump? Kahit anong pagtatakip pa ang gawin ni Marcos, hindi nito maitatago ang nagsusumigaw na kahirapan sa bansa!” Doringo added.

The group also called on Filipinos to stage protests against Trump’s expected visit, arguing that local workers should not bear the economic burden of preparations for the international gathering.

“Kaya dapat lang na salubungin ng sambayanang Pilipino ng protesta ang pagdating ni Trump dito sa bansa! Hindi tayo papayag na aalisan ng kabuhayan, at pahihirapan ang mga Pilipino para lamang sa Pax Silica, at makapagpapogi si Marcos sa amo niyang kano!” Doringo said.