By: Charles Nikko Limon
The Baguio City Council now has only about 40 days left to decide on the proposed development of the public market, and several council members say they still have questions that need clear answers.
For many stallholders, the public market is more than just a place of business.
Tina, who has inherited their family’s stall that has been rented for 70 years, said the space helps sustain their daily needs.
She shared, “My mom was here, and I inherited this stall when she retired.” She added in another clip, “Things are expensive now, even medicine, so it helps that we also get discounts.”
Because of this, Tina admitted she worries about the future of the market as the development plan moves forward.
“I’m okay with development as long as they fix it section by section. The city government can do that,” she said. “If they say they can’t, then do it phase by phase. It’s impossible there’s no budget.”
From the original 120-day period given to the council to decide on the project, only 40 days remain. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan explained that the council has three options: approve the proposal, reject it, or approve it with modifications.
“There are only three things that the council will do,” he said. “First is to approve, or approve with modification.”
Despite the signature campaigns and opposition from various groups, Olowan said the council will still consider these sentiments.
“What we want is that together with the signatures, there must also be a solution,” he said. “For example, if they are against the development, they should also present an alternative plan so we can look into it.”
This Monday, the negotiating team of the city government is scheduled to present its wrap-up report to the council. After that, SM will be summoned to explain its proposal in the next sessions. Only then will the voting take place.
Some councilors have already begun studying their positions. But Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said she does not feel pressured.
“I actually do not feel any pressure,” she said. “I make up my own mind while I listen to inputs. That’s why I abstained.”
She added that she still has unanswered questions regarding the proposal.
“My number one issue is the 50 years,” she said. “And when they presented the title, why was it like that? Many people are complaining it might ‘mallify’ the area.”
Councilor Paolo Salvosa is also reviewing several issues, including the land area and the terms of the proposed construction.
“Is the 50-40 construction fair?” he asked. “They’ll have to get money out of their own pockets.”
These concerns, along with other issues, will be considered by the council. A total of eight votes is needed to decide whether the project will proceed to a Swiss challenge or be rejected.
Under Republic Act No. 11966, or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines, failure of the approving body to issue a decision within 120 days automatically results in approval of the project.
Section 7, letter D, states that if the council does not decide within the mandated period, the implementing agency may proceed with the PPP procurement.
If the Baguio City Council fails to decide before the 120-day deadline, the market development will be automatically approved under the PPP law.
