Towing firm shrinks from "hostile public"

CEBU, Philippines - Jadewell Pay Parking Systems will temporarily suspend its operation in Mandaue City because the “environment has become hostile.”

Thomas Villanueva, the company’s operation officer, said he now fears for the safety of his personnel because the public has become hostile to them, attributing it to the display of “Notice to the Public” signs in conspicuous places.

The “notice” states that the towing company no longer has the authority to collect parking fees and tow vehicles.

Villanueva said operations will remain suspended until Mayor Jonas Cortes and the firm’s chief executive officer, Rogelio Tan, meet next week.

He said his firm is waiting for a response to a letter it sent to the mayor last May 14, appealing for fairness, justice, and compassion in relation to the city’s decision to end its contract with the company.

Villanueva also said rescinding the contract would mean 30 workers will lose their jobs as well as deprive the city of its P90,000 share from the collection of fees every month.

He also claimed it will also deprive the towing company the chance to recover its investment due to the “erratic” city policy on the matter.

Lawyer Jamaal Calipayan, the mayor’s secretary, said Cortes has denied the company’s appeal.

Following the rescission of the contract, the city council yesterday approved a proposed resolution endorsed by Councilor Demetrio “Jun” Cortes, which allows the city to advertise for five consecutive days in newspapers specifying that Jadewell is no longer authorized by the city to tow or collect parking fees.

The city council also approved a proposed resolution endorsed by Councilor Beethoven Andaya which requests TEAM executive director lawyer Eutiquio Sanchez to remove immediately the seal and name of the city of Mandaue from all Jadewell towing vehicles.

When sought for comment about the removal of the city’s seal, Villanueva said the company will comply with the city council’s decision.  (FREEMAN)