MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has warned vendors, who were prohibited from hawking their goods during Thursday’s Traslacion, that their wares will be confiscated if they try to sell their goods along the route.

“Huwag niyong sabayaan ang ruta. Sayang ang puhunan. Nanghihinayang kami para sa inyo. Kukinin namin ‘yan. (Don’t try to sell your wares along the route. Your investment will be wasted. We really regret this. But we will confiscate your products if you do so).  Because it will be considered an obstruction,” warned Moreno.

Moreno said the Traslacion is about religious devotion and not a mere business opportunity.

“Let’s make this solemn. It is about Jesus. This is not about the opportunity… This is the time (for reflection in life). This is not business,” Moreno also said during a press briefing.

The city government of Manila has been clearing city streets in preparation for Traslacion 2020, in which millions of devotees are expected to participate.

No to “Epals”

On the other hand, Moreno discouraged “Epal” (attention grabbers) politicians from putting up their banners along the Traslacion’s route.

“We will tear it down. Walang mag-eepal (Don’t be attention grabbers),” Moreno warned. (CurrentPH/JGo)