Former hospital lessee airs side on closure order

MANILA, Philippines – The foundation that leased the Perpetual Help Hospital in Manila and operated it in 2008 has aired its side on the closure order issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) last Oct. 13.

Lorenzo Gadon of the Institute of Health and Wellness Phils. Foundation (IHWPF) admitted that the closure order was served during his time as administrator, but it was “issued against the building and not to my person or to any manager or operator.”

“The closure order is due to the defects of the buildings and its violation or non-compliance of the Building Code regardless of the person who manages it,” Gadon told The STAR.

The closure order was issued Oct. 13, 2011 and addressed to Gadon. It cited the hospital’s consistent failure to comply with the Fire Safety and Protection Requirements pursuant to Republic Act 9514 otherwise known as Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008.

The STAR came out with the story after lawyer Bonifacio Militar called the attention of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim over the hospital’s non-compliance with the order.

Antonio Zarate, (PHH) vice president for administration, explained that the closure order was addressed to Gadon and not to its present management.

Zarate said the hospital and its administrative functions, through a lease agreement, were turned over to the IHWPF in 2009.

Manila Bureau of Permits chief Rusell Besabe said they have discussed the problem with PHH representatives. He said the hospital should comply with the requirements.