Suntrust repair deadline lapses

SUNTRUST Properties Incorporated [SPI] faced Councilor Edgar Avila Wednesday on a committee hearing to assess the ongoing issues faced by the realty firm.

Avila said SPI admitted of not complying with the 60-day dealing set by the council for the repair of the collapsed Gibraltar road section as well as the suspension of the Environmental Compliance Certificate [ECC].

The SPI construction was also alleged to cause the collapse of the wall of nearby Mega Tower Condominium, to which they

previously assured a two-week time table to repair, which has likewise lapsed.

Tower condominium representatives Ana Manayon and Maribel Alaban said damage to their area has reached P1 million as the foundation of their structure has been compromised.

Avila said the issues faced by SPI needs council action which is tantamount to stopping the project all together, compel SPI to pay fines or file cases against the company.

Present during the meeting were SPI project manager, Elpidio Valdez Jr with colleagues, Joselito Paulo Jr., Alvin Orillos, Sunny Nunez and Boy Cabang.

SPI said plans to build the extra 2 floors of the condominium have been shelved.

In can be recalled that in 2016, Sister Mary Guadalupe Bautista, from the nearby Good Shepherd Convent complained on the ongoing SPI construction, sending letters to Councilor Elaine Sembrano, Alex Castaneda of the District Engineers office of the DPWH as well as Johan Quiazon, the investor relations manager of Suntrust and president and chairman of the board Andrew Tan complaining of the same concerns which she described to put in danger residents and tourists.

Also in 2016, the Florendo Law Office, representing, Evelyn Ibay of Mines View Park also wrote the DPWH complaining of the collapsed road.

The DPWH has ordered Suntrust to repair the road in 2016 with Mayor Maurico Domogan noting the complaints of Palma and assured the company has complied with zoning ordinances.

Suntrust aims to develop 4,352.96 square meters with over 400 units available when they finish the project in 2018, a project which SPI president Harry Paltongan partnered with Megaworld.

Another public consultation is set on September 20.

Photo by Roderick Osis ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE. Even with the onslaught of the rainy season, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. has given assurances about the safety of its tailings dam.