ILOILO City – The city government is ready to defend its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project for the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central Market and Iloilo Terminal Market, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
A complaint was filed by the Association of Stall Owners and Transient Vendors (ASTRAVEN) represented by its president Rex Donasco against Treñas and the Sangguniang Panlungsod represented by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.
The market vendors association is seeking a declaratory relief and prohibition and injunction with prayer for a preliminary injunction and/or temporary restraining order.
“We are ready to present our defenses,” said Treñas during Monday’s press conference.
However, the city mayor believes that the case will not affect the implementation of the PPP project especially that the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) already confirmed the lease agreement between the city government and SM Prime Holdings Inc.
There is no more action to be enjoined because it’s already a fait accompli.
“(The project will not be affected) as long as there is no temporary restraining order and no injunction. Pero ti para sa akon waay naman i-restrain or i-enjoin kay napirmahan kag na-confirm na sang city council,” Treñas explained.
Meanwhile, the city mayor said he has no idea yet who are the vendors with Donasco in filing the case but he stressed that as far as the market vendors of the central market including Donasco himself are concerned, they been attending the consultations regarding the PPP project.
Treñas pointed out that there are really issues that should be addressed in the markets and that is probably a reason the city is getting a lot of endorsements from all sectors.
“Anyone can file a case. But let us also be more circumspect. Development ini sang syudad,” Treñas added.
The city mayor also clarified that while SM Prime will redevelop the whole market, it will only lease a portion of it.
“SM Prime will only be leasing a portion of the market. SM Prime is not leasing the whole market. Amo na ang dapat klaruhon ta. In exchange ang iya rentals ipaobra ya ang bilog nga market,” said Treñas.
He further noted that based on their computation, the lease for both central and market markets is only around P900 million but SM Prime is ready to spend up to P3 billion for the redevelopment which include the establishment of waste water treatment plant, water system, drainage, CCTVs, among others.
Treñas reiterated that all legitimate vendors will not be displaced.
On the other hand, following the confirmation of the city council will be the finalization of the market design of the central and terminal markets.
Treñas said consultations regarding the design are still ongoing especially with the market vendors. Final designs will also be presented them once done.
Treñas said the construction may start before the year ends if there is already a final design.
“Kon maka-start within this year, before the end of 2024 tapos na,” he added. He is hopeful that the completion of the redevelopment of the two biggest public markets will coincide with the completion of the improvements of the district public markets./PN
