Manila to reopen 'underground bookstore' shut in clearing ops

The Manila City government on Friday announced it is allowing the re-opening of "Books From Underground," a bookstore located at the Lagusnilad Underpass, once it secured its necessary documents to operate as a legitimate business.

"Kasi may mga netizen na nagsasabi sa atin na may natanggal tayo doon na matagal na matagal nang bilihan ng libro na nakakamura ang mga estudyante... and all these things," Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said in his "The Capital Report" Facebook live.

"Huwag kayong mag-alala. Matapos namin 'yang linisin, bibigyan namin siya ng pagkakataon na ma-legitimize 'yung kaniyang existence at you can ask him (owner) at pati ang nanay niya, tinayuan na namin sila kung paano sila magiging legitimate businessmen," Moreno continued.

The Books From Underground covers a wide range of books from different genres including social sciences, romance and chick literature, English, British and Asian Literature, music, criticism and essay and many more.

The bookstore was demolished when clearing operations were held at the Lagusnilad underpass last month.

The busy underground walkway, which connects the City Hall and Intramuros, had long been occupied by illegal vendors.

Moreno however assured that the book shop would re-open soon.

"Kaunting araw na lang ‘yan dahil ang gusto ko po ang pagtitinda sa kalye kailangan may dignidad... Gusto ko naghahanapbuhay tayo na nakataas ang noo natin, nang wala tayong inaagrabyadong kapuwa."—Jamil Santos/LBG, GMA News