Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. issued the statement following the outcome of an investigation conducted by the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety last May 5 and June 6. Investigators said they found no traces of any illegal diggings at the school grounds.
"I did not issue any order and I will not issue any closure order pertaining to the PSBA on the alleged illegal excavation issue as there is no evidence that diggings took place," Belmonte said.
The PSBA main building located along Aurora Boulevard remains safe for students and faculty members, contrary to reports that it has been weakened due to diggings by treasure hunters. A school official allegedly authorized the diggings to look for the fabled Yamashita treasure.
Belmonte said there is no need for the Commission on Higher Education to worry over the fate of students enrolled at PSBA since no transfer of students to other institutions will take place.
Earlier, CHED chairman Carlito Puno asked PSBA officials for a contingency plan in case the city government issues the closure order.
Belmonte said the City Council has not taken a position regarding Councilor Dante de Guzman’s privilege speech entitled "Gold in the City."
The council report merely noted the resolution adopted by the Blue Ribbon committee, meaning the existence of the measure would be acknowledged with no official action being undertaken.
Council majority floor leader Antonio Inton Jr. said he and other councilors have opposed to the move of the Blue Ribbon committee, chaired by De Guzman, for the closure of PSBA.
Inton said the PSBA closure order was a "closed issue" after Belmonte declared no illegularity in the reported diggings inside the campus.