Mango Square asked to justify violations

Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday ordered the management of Mango Square to explain in writing why the entire establishment should not be closed after committing multiple violations of the building code.

The entire block of Mango Square along Gen. Maxilom Avenue and corner Juana Osmeña Street is owned by Ludo and Luym. There are more than 30 tenants in Mango Square including National Bookstore, spas and Internet cafes, among others.

"We will give them a period of time, a sufficient time to correct their mistakes," Osmeña said.

One such violation is the occupation of the mall's parking lot by illegal structures.

The mayor warned that he is serious with his threat to close down Mango Square and said that if it will be closed it will no longer be reopened so that people will take getting building permits from City Hall seriously.

Osmeña added that he is now discussing what other penalties the city can levy on Mango Square, including the cancellation of the business permit of all the tenants and its occupation permit as the closure of the whole block will not be selective.

"I'm telling them now -don't play games because the mayor is crazy. I'm not shy," Osmeña said.

Mango Square Operations Manager Conrad Ding was not available for comment yesterday. - Garry B. Lao/BRP