AYALA Land Inc. (ALI) is ready to pay the Negros Occidental government for its leased properties for so long as it is cleared from structures.
This, as Mary Ann Lamis of the Provincial Legal Office said based on the Lease Contract between ALI and the province.
"Ayala is going and they are just waiting for Capitol to clear the lots from structures," Lamis said citing the contract.
She said that since the Commission on Audit has already approved the contract between Capitol and ALI, there is no more restriction in so far as the contract is concerned unless of a Temporary Restraining Order or Injunction. "So far, there is none at this time, so we can go ahead with the plans for the said properties," Lamis said.
ALI, based on its plans, will develop the Capitol properties by putting up convention center, malls, and terraces.
Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr. had confirmed on Friday that the demolition of the structures that include the buildings occupied by the Provincial Environment Management Office (Pemo), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the National Telecommunications Communication would all be demolished in September this year.
He said that based on the contract, Ayala will pay two years advance and one year deposit for the leased properties that covers 4.1 hectares from the portion at the Fountain Area of PNB to the Pemo building.
The properties covered by the Deed of Sale are now on hold because of the pending court case for Certiorari filed by ShoeMart Prime Holdings, Inc.
The Ayala's development plan for Capitol properties is already delayed for two years since they have signed it.
Meanwhile, Lamis said, the Regional Trial Court is set to hold the last hearing of the case filed by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) against the members of the Provincial Bids and Disposal of Government Properties on September 16.
SMPHI, Lamis said, will present a witness.
Jaime Zobel de Ayala, on the other hand, will be in Bacolod City on Tuesday as he will be visiting him at the Bacolod Government Center at 8 a.m.
"The city will be tendering a breakfast for him and local business men will join him also," Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella said.
"He is my personal friend. He promised me before that as soon as I would win as mayor, he would come to Bacolod to thank the people of Bacolod for the support given to Ayala investments. We have always given the Ayala companies, the support in the city, so he is here to extend his thanks to Bacolodnons," he added.
He would also see the governor and visit his various companies here in Bacolod. He will take a look at the situation in the city and hopefully, he will expand more of his businesses here.