Agimat Party-list pushes magna carta for ambulant vendors in Congress
Agimat Party-list
MANILA, Philippines – Agimat Party-list is championing the rights of ambulant vendors—one of the most hardworking yet often overlooked sectors in the country. Before the February session ended, the House of Representatives approved on third reading House Bill No. 11337, also known as the Magna Carta for Informal Ambulant Vendors.
The bill, authored by Agimat Party-list Representative Bryan Revilla, aims to provide protection and benefits for ambulant vendors in the informal economy. Its primary objective is to strengthen their livelihood and ensure they receive proper social protection.
In his sponsorship speech, Rep. Revilla emphasized the vital role ambulant vendors play in everyday Filipino life. “All of us have, at some point, bought taho, ice cream, newspapers, or candy from them. They are hardworking Filipinos doing their best to support their families,” said Revilla, who also serves as Assistant Majority Leader. He added that many vendors lack access to social insurance and must be safeguarded.
Under the proposed Magna Carta, vendors will be guaranteed the right to safe and secure working conditions, as well as the right to vending spaces free from harassment or violence. Local government units (LGUs) will be required to provide designated areas for vending—and if relocation is necessary, it must be done orderly and without violation of any of their rights.
A key provision of the bill is the registration of ambulant vendors with their LGUs. For many vendors, this permit is a gateway to government programs—such as access to training, financial assistance, and credit. Several agencies of government expressed their support for the bill.
“The point of the bill is to protect them while they are vulnerable,” Rep. Revilla said. “Every ambulant vendor dreams of growing their business. We want to help them transition into the formal sector, thrive, and contribute more to the Philippine economy.”
For thousands of street vendors across the country, this could be a major win.
