Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Iloilo City Government is “ready to defend” the legality of its partnership with property giant SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) for the redevelopment of two public markets.
The Association of Stall Owners and Transient Vendors (ASTRAVEN) represented by its president Rex Donasco filed a petition against Treñas and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon for “declaratory relief and prohibition and injunction with prayer for preliminary injunction and/or temporary restraining order.”
“We are ready to present our defenses,” Treñas said in a press conference on Monday, August 15.
According to the mayor, the complaint will not affect the implementation of the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market.
“There is no more action that should be enjoined because it’s already a fait accompli. Waay naman i-restrain or i-enjoin kay ti napirmahan kag naconfirm na sang City Council,” Treñas explained.
“Anyone can file a case. But let us also be more circumspect, development ini sang syudad,” he added.
Earlier this month, the city government and SMPH signed a 25-year lease agreement with SMPH for the rehabilitation, which will cost at least P1.5 billion for each market.
“SM Prime will only be leasing a portion of the market. SM Prime is not leasing the whole market. Amo na ang dapat klaruhon ta,” Treñas clarified.
Rehabilitation works will commence once the designs are finalized and are expected to be completed within two years or before 2024 ends.IMT
