TRO saves Mango Square tenants from demolition

Tenants renting spaces at the Mango Square parking lot received notices that their stalls would be demolished yesterday afternoon, however, the demolition did not push through after the Regional Trial Court issued a 72-hour Temporary Restraining Order.

Technically, those covered by the TRO are only those 10 tenants who filed the civil case against the Mango Square management. They immediately sought refuge from the court upon getting the verbal notice of demolition yesterday.

The lawyer of the complainants Francisco Amit said RTC executive judge Simeon Dumdum issued the TRO at noon, just two hours before the intended demolition. The plea for a 20-day TRO by the complainants in the P2-million civil case will be heard on Monday.

Meanwhile, two of the 10 original complainants have reportedly conceded to management's offer to reimburse them of their rental deposit. One of the complainants told The Freeman they have yet to formally put their withdrawal of the complaint into writing.

The management has also reportedly offered to relocate the tenants to its lot beside the Elizabeth Mall but none of the tenants have accepted the offer just yet.

Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa, chairman of the committee on family and women, received reports that illegal and indecent activities such as lewd shows, drug proliferation, prostitution and serving liquor to minors, were rampant in the area when it was still in operation.

Abellanosa, in his proposed resolution which was approved by the city council last Wednesday, asked the Cebu City Anti-Indecency Board and the police authorities to investigate and take appropriate action on the alleged reports.

Last week, Mayor Tomas Osmeña gave Mango Square a 10-day ultimatum to make corrective measures or face closure. The city also threatened to cancel Mango Square's occupancy permit.

But the mayor gave consideration to the tenants, saying those who have already made advanced rentals would still be allowed to do business until the terms of their rent expire. Ample relocation time will also be given to call centers should the closure push through.

After several inspections, the city found out that the complex lacks a locational clearance and a mayor's permit and that the peace and order situation is "uncontrollable" and the area not suitable as an entertainment place.

It was also found out that tables and chairs were obstructing the seven-meter driveway of Mango Square and majority of the entertainment stalls allegedly have no fire safety inspection certificate.

The Sanitation Inspection Team likewise found out that majority of the establishments allegedly do not have sanitary permits. These violations were stipulated in the notice the city gave to the management. - Joeberth M. Ocao