CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid on Wednesday denied reports that the 9.3-hectare lot where “Paskuhan Village” is situated was “illegally” sold to the SM Development Corporation.
Lapid said that the lot was actually acquired by the Philippine Tourism Authority from its owner Jesus Lazatin in 1989.
“There was a complete sale, “said Lapid while flashing the deed of absolute sale between the PTA and Lazatin dated some time in 1989.
The sprawling Paskuhan Village was constructed in a property owned by Lazatin.
Lapid said Paskuhan is one of 13 government-owned properties under TIEZA being eyed for privatization. It was included in the first tranche with Agoo Playa Hotel in La Union, and Matabungkay and Talisay in Batangas, as these are non-revenue generating assets.
“We were instructed by TIEZA Board of Director to go with the sale of properties and one of which is Paskuhan Village,” Lapid told reporters during a hastily-called press conference.
He said a private consultant was hired through public bidding which was won by Chandaro Consortium. Chandoro was then tasked to identify the highest best use plan of TIEZA properties. The bidding was held last year.
Before the planned privation, Lapid said the PTA and TIEZA asked concerned local government units to produce sustainability programs for the property as the tourism agencies are financially hard-up to maintain these properties.