Demolition of Makati hotel remains suspended

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government has ordered the re-opening to traffic of Paseo de Roxas from the corner of Makati Avenue to Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue to ease traffic flow at the site of the now-being demolished Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

However, Makati City acting Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña said demolition work on the hotel remains suspended until the Office of the Building Official has completed its investigation and submitted its report on last Friday’s accident that left Suzanne Mellor, a 50-year-old Australian woman injured.

It would be recalled that the Mandarin Hotel area had been cordoned off after Mellor was hit by falling debris while walking. Mellor sustained a broken leg while a sports utility vehicle was also damaged by falling debris. 

Peña earlier ordered the Makati Social Welfare Department to extend full assistance to the victims, who were brought to the Makati Medical Center for treatment.

Meanwhile, a patrol car of the Makati Public Safety Department will be stationed at the demolition site around-the-clock to monitor the traffic situation and avert any future similar untoward incident.

“We advise pedestrians to avoid, if possible, passing by the area and going for alternative routes where there is no ongoing construction or demolition works. We also call on motorists to proceed with caution along the affected area so as to avoid any accidents and sustain smooth traffic flow,” Peña said.

“Demolition works on the Mandarin Hotel will remain suspended until we have properly identified the root cause of the incident, and who is liable for any lapses that may have been committed,” Peña added.