The Iloilo City Government has asserted its rights over the YMCA Building which the latter’s former officials are allegedly still charging rental fees from tenants.

The City Legal Office (CLO) has recommended the filing of a criminal complaint for syndicated estafa against all members of YMCA’s Board of Trustees.

The case stemmed since they allegedly continue to collect rentals on portions of the YMCA property, already in the name of the city government, for several years without accounting for the same.

A criminal case for syndicated estafa is non-bailable. The number of counts will be based on the number of times they have illegally collected rentals and have not turned over the same to the City Treasurer. The matter is presently being carefully studied.

The city government is the registered owner of the lot which YMCA Building stands.

Per Sheriff’s Return on Writ of Possession on March 3, 2022, the City Government has been placed and continues to be in physical possession, control and disposition of the property.

There are no pending cases in relation to the right of the city government to exercise full ownership and management of YMCA Building as all cases had been dismissed.

CLO noted that reports have reached the city government that there are persons who continue to demand and receive lease payments from occupants without any legal basis.

CLO issued the final demand for respondents to cease and desist from collecting rentals without legal right.

The same is issued for them to vacate the area within five days for failure to pay any rent otherwise the city government will have no recourse other than to file an ejectment case with damages to remove them from the premises.PR