Palace: No funds for Marcos mansions

MANILA, Philippines - The government has no money to maintain the decaying mansions of the cronies of the Marcos family, Malacañang said yesterday.

 “We don’t have the money for all the things the government needs to do. That’s why we budget properly and we see to it that funds go to priority programs like poverty alleviation, uplifting the quality of life of our fellow citizens, healthcare and education,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over radio dzRB. “What is important is that the lot is still there.”

“If we are to base it on the statements of (Presidential Commission on Good Government) Commissioner (Maita) Chan-Gonzaga, the value is substantial. In fact, the value of the land has appreciated as opposed to the structure itself,” Valte said.

Valte said she had not seen the documents pertaining to the properties. Privatizing these assets would need the approval of President Aquino, she added.

Gonzaga earlier said the PCGG has no money for the upkeep of the deteriorating mansions, some of which have been looted, which are in prime locations in Baguio City.

The sequestered properties of Marcos crony Jose Yao Campos and the 3,875-square meter Hans Menzi compound in Outlook Drive are among the mansions that have been deteriorating.

Campos also surrendered a 2,677-square meter property at the Banaue Inn compound, a 17,516-square-meter lot at the J.Y. Campos compound and a 1,146-square meter lot at the Wigwam compound – estimated to be worth P154.71 million.

The PCGG is looking into the privatization of these properties.

Gonzaga said the Hans Menzi property alone, which is up for bidding in March, could be sold for P36.15 million.