MEMBERS of the Baguio City Council will likely recommend the consolidation of all existing contracts entered by the local government with Jarco Realty and Development Corporation for the lease of a city-owned lot in the former area that was developed to host the multi-story Baguio Center Mall.
The recommendation of the local legislative body was supported by Councilor Faustino Olowan, chairman of the City Council committee on laws, after having received an endorsement from the City Mayor's Office for the confirmation of a supplemental agreement between the local government and Jarco Realty for the inclusion of three vacant lots in the area that will be developed by the company for a 15-year period.
Juanito Teope of Jarco Realty told local legislators the area covered by the supplemental agreement was supposed to be part of the area that will be leased to the company. But this did not push through because the said lots, with a total land area of 666 square meters, was the subject of a long-standing case that was just recently resolved by the court in favor of the city.
Teope added the company proposes to build a structure in the area covered by the 3 lots to be leased to the displaced vendors for them to sustain their sources of livelihood and which will simultaneously expire with the original contract it entered with the local government.
However, local legislators raised the issue on the street that was claimed by the developer. Subsequent development was made that virtually closed the supposed street.
The councilors argued it is only the legislative body that is empowered to close streets.
But Teope claimed the said street never existed citing it was the City Engineering Office who certified it.
He said the improvements in the area were legitimate from the start.
The Council decided to defer the supplemental agreement and wait for the recommendation of the Committee on Laws. (PR)