Mango Square tenants set to sue management

Several Mango Square tenants are set to file a case against its management, claiming that it unduly terminated their lease contract and illegally cut off their electricity and water supplies last Thursday.

Ted Villarino, owner of Marthe's Place located at the Mango Square's parking lot, said they would file an injunction suit against the management before the regional trial court on Monday. He added that at least 13 out of 27 bar owners in the area are already preparing to file the case.

Villarino said the tenants were made as "sacrificial lambs" by the Luym family, who owns the Mango Square, so that it could pass on to them the pressure it received from the city government.

Lawyer Francisco Amit said the termination of the contract has no grounds because the tenants did not have any idea that the establishment has been barred from accepting lessees.

Amit explained that the tenants are seeking damages because they already paid the advance deposits to the management as stipulated in their contract, which is supposed to end next month. He said they are asking the management to return the advance deposits.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña told the tenants during a dialogue last week that he gave the Mango Square management 10 days to correct several deficiencies such as the lack of fire exits and the illegal structures built on the sidewalks, otherwise its occupancy permit would be cancelled.

The stall owners claimed that the Luym family verbally told them that it would have all establishments in the property stop operations immediately.

The tenants asked for an extension up to Sunday, but the next day notices were sent out. When some of them refused to receive the letters, the management cut off the water and electricity supplies, prompting them to hold a "candle light protest." - Jasmin R. Uy/LPM