Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Council maintains stance on SMDC plans By Rimaliza Opiña
THE CITY Council has not changed its position regarding its objection to the conversion of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pine stand into a commercial area.
The declaration came in the heels of the GSIS submission to the City Council of its letter of intent to develop the area. GSIS vice president for asset management Sergio Andal reiterated in the earlier confirmation that it (GSIS) has signed a joint venture agreement with SM Development Corporation (SMDC), for the latter to conduct the development.
Except for the knowledge SMDC will construct a condotel in the area, the exact contents of the agreement remain unknown to the public.
Reports earlier circulated SMDC will not pursue the agreement because the project was opposed by residents and officials. This is apart from a possible violation of the zoning ordinance if construction proceeds, as well as a problem on the overlapping title of the GSIS property with Original Certificate of Title (OCT) 1.
Asked of the possibility either party will change plans, Baguio City Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas said a possible change of mind by either GSIS or SMDC would not change the position of city officials. He said city officials will continue opposing conversion of the area.
Andal was expected to attend Tuesday's regular session of the Council, but he did not arrive.
Councilor Nicasio Palaganas said the city should no longer be discussing the issue as the SMDC already said it will not pursue the development plans.
No written confirmation was submitted to the Council, however.
Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia said the Council should confirm the alleged withdrawal.
In the meantime, the council approved Palaganas's and Councilor Richard Cariño's proposal enjoining concerned departments of the City Government from issuing any permit, pending dialogue with the GSIS.
Measuring 1.4 hectares, four buildings to be named Baguio Air Residences, with 13 floors excluding basement parking, is proposed to be built at the site.
The plan also said the site has a total of 967 trees there, 313 will be cut, 105 will be transplanted while the rest will be retained.
