MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor-elect Isko Moreno yesterday vowed to block any attempt to sell Manila Zoo and the Arroceros Park.
“I have no plans of selling properties owned by the city government. In fact, I intend to develop and reopen the park so that Manileños will have a place to relax,” Moreno said.
He said he is aware of the outgoing administration’s plan to sell Manila Zoo and the park.
The 2.2-hectare Arroceros Park is located along Antonio Villegas street in Ermita.
The administration of outgoing Mayor Joseph Estrada had planned to build a sports complex at the site.
Moreno said he believes the project was designed to establish a cockpit in the area.
“I will not allow the destruction of the park to accommodate a place for gambling. We have had enough of these things,” he said.