Makati’s Jollijeeps disappear ahead of ASEAN Summit

“Ngek nawala na naman mga Jollijeep sa likod ng Atrium,” said user u/epkqdgl, who shared the updated image.

Many commenters believed the clearing may have to do with the 49th ASEAN Summit in Pasay City, pointing out that some delegates may be staying at The Peninsula Manila, which is also near Apartment Ridge Road.

“Sad, but slightly understandable for security reasons din,” said one user.

Other users said the stalls may have been temporarily relocated, with some noticing more Jollijeeps lined up along Gil Puyat Avenue.

“Bigla dumami Jollijeep sa bandang Pacific Star building. Baka dun nirelocate pansamantala,” shared another user.

Another theory for the alleged relocation was ongoing roadwork along the street, with some users citing similar scenarios.

“Maybe they’ll be repainting the road markings. That happened for a few weeks in Rada Street earlier this year. After that they brought back the Jollijeep stalls,” said a commenter.

Regardless of the reason, many were turned off by the move, particularly amid similar beautification and concealment measures in other parts of Metro Manila ahead of the ASEAN Summit. Several cities have banned or relocated street vendors for the duration of the summit, while slums and rivers along major roads near meeting venues were covered up with tarpaulin boards.

The alleged relocation and removal of Jollijeeps, considered among the most affordable food options in the city’s central business district, could make daily life even more difficult for no-work, no-pay workers and working-class residents who may not be covered by the ASEAN Summit non-working holiday.