Monday, June 02, 2008 Bautista asks for calm over SM-GSIS plans
BAGUIO City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. allayed fears of Baguio residents over reports that a condotel is about to be constructed at the Government Service Insurance system (GSIS) pine stand, near the Baguio Convention Center.
"Do not panic. It's just a plan," the mayor said, even as he called on citizens of Baguio to do their share in beautifying the area.
In a statement over DZEQ-Radyo ng Bayan, the mayor said residents of Baguio practically neglected the area and only showed some concern when news came out that a building will be constructed there. "No one cared before the issue came out," the mayor claimed.
Because of neglect, many trees died there, the mayor pointed out and called on concerned citizens of Baguio to "visit it one day, pick the trash and beautify it."
"We only showed concern because of this issue," the mayor lamented.
Bautista said there are issues that must be dealt with before any construction commences. Zoning, acceptability, and ownership are some of the issues raised when the issue came out.
Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr., chairman of the City Council committee on lands, housing, and urban planning, said a portion of the GSIS property overlaps with Original Certificate of Title (OCT) 1, named under the Republic of the Philippines.
The mayor's pronouncement was made just as both the GSIS and SM Development Corporation (SMDC) confirmed the signing of a joint venture agreement for the development of the area, through the building of a condotel.
Excluding basement parking, four buildings with 13 floors each is the proposed building to be constructed.
The condotel will be called Baguio Air Residences.
Some sectors have opposed plans of putting up a building at the GSIS pine stand because hundreds of trees will have to be cut to give way to the construction.
The management of SMDC meanwhile assured they will first weigh the opinion of the public before proceeding with the plan.
The City Council meanwhile deferred taking further action pending receipt of a copy of the SMDC-GSIS agreement. (RO)
