Towing firm sues Mandaue City

CEBU, Philippines - The towing firm whose contract was rescinded by the Mandaue City Government for alleged several contract violations yesterday filed a P33 million damage suit against the city government.

Jadewell Parking Systems Corporation is asking the court to let the Mandaue City Government pay them P15 million for the investment that they have put up, P15 million for their expected income, another P2 million for exemplary damages and P1 million for lawyer’s fee.

The firm also asked the court to issue a writ of preliminary injunction against the city government.

 Chief Executive Officer Rogelio Tan announced this yesterday in a press conference.

Tan said aside from the civil case that he filed against the city government, he also plans to file a separate civil case for violating his rights against Mayor Jonas Cortes, City Administrator James Badia and City Legal Officer Giovanni Tianero.

He also intends to file another case against them before the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas.

In a separate interview, Tianero said the city was just doing their job in rendering unbiased opinion and decision when it rescinded Jadewell’s contract.

 “We will face the risk for the good of Mandaue and the Mandauehanons. They know how Jadewell conducts its towing operations in the city, ” Tianero said.

 The Mandaue City Government earlier terminated its contract with Jadewell for  several violations of the memorandum of agreement and numerous complaints from the public.

The firm requested the city government to extend its contract but this was denied.

Tan said since his effort to amicably settle the case with the city government seemed to be useless, he decided to file a case.

Tan said the alledged numerous complaints from motorists is not the main reason why the city terminated its contract with them.

He alleged that Mayor Cortes was ill-advised by the people who are interested to take over their towing operations.

He said these people have connections with two Cebu City towing firms.

Jadewell entered into a contract with the Mandaue City Government in 2003 during the time of then Mayor Thadeo Ouano. They were supposed to operate until 2016.

“They should have waited for our contract to end. If they don’t like us anymore, we will not force ourselves on them,” Tan added.  (FREEMAN)