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Thursday, August 31, 2006
Mayor stands firm: Close Mango Square
Mayor Tomas Osmeña stood firm in his decision to close Mango Square mall in uptown Cebu City in 10 days if it will not correct its numerous violations.
He even advised the tenants to “hire the three best lawyers in Cebu” and sue the management for the hassle, and for them to get their money back.
However, he is giving the call centers and other tenants “on a case-to-case basis” two to three months to relocate.
The mayor yesterday gave copies of his closure notice to around 60 representatives of the 32 stall owners and occupants in Mango Square.
Also present during the meeting were City Planning Officer Paul Villarete, City Attorney Rodolfo Golez, Josefa Ylanan of the Office of the Building Official (OBO).
Failure
Among others, he cited in the notice Ludo and Luym Corp.’s failure to secure locational clearance and business permits; no peace and order; the complex being an unsuitable entertainment place; tables and chairs obstructing the driveway; and majority of establishments failing to meet sanitation requirements.
“I did not include the serving of liquor to minors, prostitution and several others,” the mayor said.
Huddled in small groups after the meeting, the tenants acknowledged the mayor’s argument and agreed that they might indeed have to hire a lawyer.
Reporters tried interviewing Mango Square engineer Roberto Timillar, who represented the management, but he refused.
The stall owners and occupants met him in an effort to work out their predicament with City Hall.
Among the affected establishments is the National Bookstore at the corner of Juana Osmeña St. and Gen. Maxilom Ave. that is already a midtown Cebu City landmark.
One tenant said she was asked to pay in advance the rent for six months and demanded that she be refunded.
That of X Libris, which operates a call center and online editing business, asked if the mayor will not extend the deadline he gave because it is not easy to find another place and transfer equipment and personnel.
The mayor told them he is creating a team composed of Villarete and members of the Mayor’s Management Team to sort out requests.
The whole complex, he said, will be condemned and the tenants kicked out if Ludo does not comply with the law.
“I’m strict about the 10 days. After 10 days, it (Mango Square) technically closes (unless the management acts),” he said.
If that happens, Ludo will not just have to pay P10 million in compromise penalty, it can only reopen the whole complex after six months, after complying with the latest requirements in constructing buildings.
He also criticized a Mango Square official who, when confronted by OBO, said he will just discuss it with his “Tito Tommy.”
He said there may be tenants who obey the law but their establishments are already considered “illegitimate” businesses.
Depending on Ludo’s actions, their occupancy permits will be revoked.
“I strongly suggest that you sue the owners, whatever it’s worth. Maybe after the lawsuit you’ll own the property,” he said in jest, eliciting uneasy smiles from his audience. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 31, 2006 issue)
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