Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Thursday ordered a lockdown and the confiscation of heavy equipment being used in what he described as an unauthorized demolition and construction at a vacant lot in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
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The property, located on Alvarez Street, previously housed the Rasac Covered Court and a satellite office of the Manila City Hall.
“Hindi tayo magdadalawang-isip na ipatigil at ipasara ang ganitong iligal na gawain. Uulitin ko, may gobyerno na po sa Maynila. Para kanino? Para sa mga taga-Maynila,” Domagoso said in his Facebook post.
An investigation revealed that Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua and his contractor were allegedly behind the demolition to make way for a new structure. Domagoso and Chua were once known as political allies.
According to City Engineer Armand Andres, neither the demolition project nor the new construction had the necessary permits from the local government.
The unauthorized demolition also affected nearby facilities, including the Senior Citizen’s Office, a barangay hall extension, and a day-care center.