BACOLOD City – The legality of eviction notices issued to vendors at Manokan Country by the city government is being contested by the Manokan Vendors Association.
Lawyer Jose Max Ortiz, representing the association, has formally challenged the city’s actions, claiming they violate existing lease agreements.
In a letter addressed to City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr., dated June 20, 2024, Ortiz highlighted that the vendors hold valid lease agreements with the city until December 31, 2024, under City Ordinance (CO) No. 16, Series of 1983.
The letter questioned the notices of eviction and proposed relocation issued on June 3 and June 14, respectively, as lacking a legal basis and failing to provide requisite documentation, including details of the city’s agreement with SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SPHI) and a Local Market Committee Resolution.
Ortiz also referenced media reports questioning the 40-year lease agreement between the city and SPHI, which purportedly includes the Manokan Country, part of the Bacolod City Central Market.
The notices served are baseless and unfounded, contrary to law for being an impairment of subsisting lease agreements and violative of CO No. 16, Ortiz stated, warning of potential administrative, civil, and criminal liabilities.
Ting responded by clarifying that the city government does not have any contract with the Manokan Vendors Association. He said contracts from previous administrations were not continued, as city ordinances require lease renewals every two years.
Despite the legal dispute, Ting confirmed that the eviction notices are final, with the vendors required to vacate by July 5.
He noted that SPHI has provided a temporary relocation site for the vendors at the parking area of SM City Mall, directly across from Manokan Country.
But Ortiz’s letter stated: “In fine, unless you properly secure a court order ejecting my client-stallowners from their present stalls (where they have a subsisting lease agreement and business permits duly issued by the City of Bacolod) in accordance with CO No. 16, my client-stallowners have opted to remain in place until further notice.”/PN
