Friday, November 24, 2006 Suspended mayor denies approving Leonard Wood gas station
SUSPENDED Mayor Braulio Yaranon said Thursday there is no truth to reports that he approved the establishment of a service station along Leonard Wood Road earlier this year, adding that the project "should be stopped before it is too late."
He said what he issued permits for in that same site earlier was for the construction of a commercial building that was supposed to be a souvenir shop.
"What they did was misrepresentation. It is evident that the permits, including the decision of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeal (ZBAA) allowing a reduction of a setback of 10 meters for a one-storey commercial building, were issued on patent misrepresentation. Actually, they wanted a 20-meter setback but this was only reduced to 10 meters," Yaranon added.
"This is sufficient basis for the issuance of a cease and desist order and a notice to show cause within five days why all permits and certifications issued as stated should not be cancelled or revoked for misrepresentation in the application," he stressed.
"Each of us may be liable for neglect and/or dereliction of duty as well as for a possible violation of penal laws unless prompt and effective action is taken," Yaranon added.
He explained that a tree cutting permit, an excavation permit, a building permit, a certification of zoning compliance and a certificate of non-coverage from the EIS system were earlier issued to the owners of a property located along Leonard Wood Road, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title T-87561, in the name of Susan Ang Datoon, Helen Ang Estigoy and Kenneth Pua See for the construction of a one-storey commercial building that was supposed to house a souvenir store.
"It is now admitted that said owners have leased the property to Ariel de Dios, who in turn, sub-leased the property to Total Philippines Corporation, a known operator of gasoline and service stations in the Philippines," Yaranon pointed out.
He also said it now appears that "the property was leased for P80,000 monthly with periodic increases, for a term of 12 years, and that an agreement to pay advance rental for three years in the sum of P3,840,000 is part of it." (ENO)
