Towing company faces raps

CEBU, Philippines - Due to the refusal of Jadewell Parking Systems Corporation to turn over a delivery truck, owners filed a civil case for damages with application for a writ of replevin before the court.

 In their complaint, Erwin and Manuel Guanzon claimed that Jadewell has no legal right to tow their vehicle because the Mandaue City Government already revoked its contract.

 “The City of Mandaue cancelled its contract with Jadewell. It revoked Jadewell’s authority to manage parking and towing operations. It revoked its right to tow stalled or illegally parked vehicles and to collect fees therefore,” the complaint reads.

 The plaintiffs said the cancellation of contract was May 5, 2012. However, Jadewell continues to operate, prompting Mayor Jonas Cortes to issue a cease and desist order on May 9, 2012 addressed to Rogelio Tan, CEO of Jadewell.

 The plaintiffs added that Mandaue issued a directive on May 11, 2012 informing City Director Noel Angeles Gillamac that Jadewell is no longer authorized to perform parking and towing operations.

 The defendants of the case were Jadewell, Rogelio Tan, CEO of Jadewell and Tomas Villanueva Jr., operations manager.

 Jadewell allegedly towed the plaintiffs’ truck on May 16, 2012 while delivering compactor plates in Mandaue City.

 The plaintiffs said that because their driver, Romeo Iwayan, did not know the particular recipient of compactor the plates, he stopped in the entrance gate of the building to ask the security guard.

The driver said he did not see any no stopping sign.

 The plaintiffs said Iwayan went to the guard and directed his two deliverymen to stay with the truck. However, Iwayan hurriedly went to the truck after he saw three men disembarked from Jadewell. But the enforcers of Jadewell stopped him. Despite his explanations, Jadewell ignored him and even threatened to enforce stiffer penalties. — (FREEMAN)