THE People Selection Committee (P4-SC) is set to meet Wednesday, November 11, to discuss the next steps in the market development.
City Administrator and P4-SC head Bonifacio Dela Peña said the meeting to form and approve the creation of a negotiating panel will be divided into technical and financial teams composed of the P4-SC members and individuals assigned from the office of the City Mayor to act as observers but will have no power to vote on any matter.
During the meeting, Dela Peña said the process of the negotiation will be discussed, as well as the roles of each panel created to scrutinize plans by the proponents.
Previously, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed Memorandum 433 series of 2020, awarding the Original Proponent Status (OPS) to SM Prime Holdings Incorporated (SMPI) while disapproving the previous award to Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), causing debate among legislators and the public.
Dela Peña said negation will last 90 days and SMPI will be summoned to present plans and for the panel to discuss terms of negotiation.
The city administrator said meetings will be open to the public.
A public consultation will also ensue for the community and stakeholders to participate to assure all sentiments are heard and suggestions noted.
During the last meeting of the P4-SC, a multi sectorial rally outside the Baguio Convention Center was staged by stakeholders, denouncing the decision to award the OPS to SMPI.
The protesters held placards bearing messages like "No to corporate takeover" and "No SM! You can't have it all." The police were present to peacefully disperse crowds.