ILOILO City – The city government is facing head-on the legal challenge to its plan to redevelop the Iloilo Terminal Market, popularly known as “Super”.
“While we try to improve our markets through a mode which is endorsed by our national leaders, including President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., there are some who want the same old markets to remain for reasons only known to them. Sad but true,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
The Iloilo Terminal Market Vendors’ Association, Inc. represented by Alberto R. Destacamento, and Daniel V. Cartagena, are seeking from the court a declaratory relief, prohibition, injunction with a prayer for preliminary injunction and/or temporary restraining order and other injunctive relief against the redevelopment of “Super”.
Treñas said the city government is preparing to file its answer.
Previously, a group of vendors made a similar move against the Iloilo Central Market redevelopment, but the court spurned it.
“These people can do their worst, I will always do my best,” said Treñas.
The redevelopment of the city’s two biggest markets, Super and Central or “Tienda Mayor”, which is through a public-private partnership scheme is now underway. The city government has inked a lease agreement with SM Prime Holdings for the said redevelopment.
The Treñas administration seeks to transform Iloilo City into a livable, highly urbanized metro.
“While everyone is excited to see Iloilo on a level-up mode, there are still sectors who want our main markets to remain in their primitive stage,” lamented Treñas.
“I ask everyone to join me in bringing Iloilo to the next level as we become the third most livable, highly urbanized city in the country. Iloilo City is getting awards one after another because of our concerted efforts and also due to our shared vision for Iloilo City,” Treñas added./PN
