“More talks in market plan needed” – Allan

IN LIEU of development, more discussions on the market has been stressed.

Councilor Philian Weygan – Allan expressed her full

support to the development of the public market but stressed full discussion of all deals received by the city should be made.

“I am definitely supportive that we should develop, it is not true that I am against development. I just want to make that clear. We need a comparison of the various proposals vis – a – vis that unsolicited proposal of SM and Robinson. I think the people want to know and get involved in the discussions,” Allan said.

During the presentation on Monday at the city council, City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña said the unsolicited proposals given by the two mall giants will take into consideration the interest of over 3,000 legitimate vendors in the city market.

Allan stressed the lease contract should be studied further.

“A lease per see is defined in the ordinance but according to City Admin, it can be a start of negotiation. This was what I wanted clarified because we cannot re – define what is a lease agreement in the ordinance or in the PPP (public – private partnership) definition, we cannot change the definition at the middle of a game,” Allan added.

Costing P5.4 billion, SM Prime Holdings proposed a 7-storey Cordilleran inspired building with the first two floors dedicated to local vendors and three top floors allotted for the mall component of the project. Two levels of parking capable to accommodate at least 1,900 vehicles will also be included.

It will take SM two and a half year to build the project.

Robinsons Corporation meanwhile proposed to construct two buildings, one for the use of the local market stakeholders and the other for the mall component of the project totaling P6.148 billion and will take four years to build.

Robinsons has yet to indicate how many floors they intend to build.

“Of the two deals Robinson has not fully defined their terms. SM has more or less presented a package which can already be scrutinized. SM will build a 7 - storey building and two floors for the market and the rest is for them to manage and own until they turn over after 50 years,” Allan added.