Court stops closure of Quezon City market

MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City regional trial court issued yesterday a status quo ante order stopping the city government from shutting down the Balintawak Cloverleaf Market.

In a two-page order, Branch 98 Judge Marilou Runes-Tamang said the two parties should maintain the status quo while she reviews the market’s petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO).

Tamang said the owner of the market, one of the biggest among 11 markets in Balin-
tawak, should post a cash bond of P5,000.

She also subpoenaed city building official Isagani Verzosa and Noel Soliven of the city market development and administration department to testify tomorrow on the issuance of the TRO.

Mayor Herbert Bautista said he welcomes the decision of the court, citing that the city government will now be able to present its position on the issue in court. – Robertzon Ramirez, Romina Cabrera