Gaisano eyes Tabunok public market

CEBU, Philippines - Less than a week after the old Tabunok public market was shut down, a company has expressed interest in the property for commercial purposes.

A letter of intent sent by Dynasty Management and Development Corporation owner of Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall addressed to Mayor Socrates C. Fernandez was dated Sept. 5, but was only received two weeks later by the office of Vice Mayor Alan Bucao.

Bucao then presented the letter in yesterday's session, and told the body and vendors who were present that the letter is a "clear manifestation" that the property in Tabunok has not yet been sold to any party.

"(The letter) is a clear manifestation nga it's not true nga giingun sa mga vendors nga gibaligya na ang property sa Tabunok. Kung nabaligya na, don't tell me nga wa kahibaw ang Gaisano ana," the vice mayor said.

Before the vendors were moved out of the Tabunok Public Market to Lagtang, there were speculations that the city had already sold the lot property, hence, the immediate transfer.

Bucao said he hopes the letter would clear everything.

Meanwhile, as to Gaisano's intention, Bucao said as far as he knows the mayor has not discussed about it. He said for the city to dispose the property, it needs a council-approved resolution.

"Wap-a ko kahibaw kung unsay plano ni Mayor Soc pero kung unsa may plano makahibaw gyud ang council ana kay ang council man maghatag og authority sa mayor. Pero so far wa pay instruction," he said.

Asked if how soon the city would dispose of the prime property, Bucao said it may not be soon. - THE FREEMAN