An Ilongo historian and heritage advocate filed on Thursday an administrative case against Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas with the Office of the Ombudsman in Visayas.
The complainant, Nereo Lujan, accused Treñas of grave misconduct, abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming, and acts prejudicial to the interest of public service.
The controversy stemmed from the Iloilo City government’s decision to demolish the facade of the Iloilo Central Market, a structure considered a cultural heritage site.
The historic Art Deco facade, which has withstood over 50 years since its construction during the American period, was an iconic landmark in Iloilo City.
It housed an array of stalls offering fresh products, native delicacies, traditional medicine, and more, making it a significant cultural and economic hub.
Lujan, who serves as chief of the Iloilo Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO), emphasized that he is filing the case in his capacity as a heritage worker and not as a representative of the provincial government.
He cited the necessity of securing proper permits from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) before any demolition of heritage sites can be done.
According to Lujan’s 17-page affidavit, obtained by the Manila Standard, Treñas committed misconduct and abuse of authority while performing his official duties.
The affidavit detailed how the city government failed to secure the required approval from the NHCP before proceeding with the demolition.
“In sum, the facts presented indicate that none of the necessary guidelines and requirements were followed by the office of the respondents before the demolition of the Art Deco Iloilo Central Market. As a matter of fact, it was even the respondent who signed the application for demolition,” the affidavit stated.
Treñas has previously presented a letter from his office claiming support from the NHCP for the demolition. However, no such letter has been presented.
The mayor had also asserted that he was prepared to present all necessary documents to justify the demolition, arguing that the structure was unsafe.
“The OBO (Office of the Building Official) has given a demolition permit before the construction because the structure was unsafe. Copies of the demolition permit can easily and readily be secured from the OBO,” Treñas said in earlier statements.
The demolition of the facade was part of a broader reconstruction project for the Iloilo Central Market and rehabilitation of the Iloilo Terminal Market.
Treñas has refrained from commenting on the case filed by Lujan. “I cannot give a statement until I see the complaint. I have always done everything legally in accordance with the Law,” the mayor added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Historian sues Iloilo City mayor over market demolition.”