Construction of ‘motel’ in heritage site assailed

BAGUIO CITY – Acting Mayor Daniel Farinas last week allayed doubts of some residents of Chuntug Street on construction of a building nearby, purportedly for a motel.

The acting mayor said the owner of the on-going construction just below city hall has complied with the requirements, such as excavation and building permits, set by the City Building and Architecture Office, thus could go on.

“There is nothing illegal being done as of now, as to the use of the place,” Farinas said.

Earlier, during the weekly council session, some residents and business people represented by Catherine Arvisu-de la Rosa and Adelaida Lim Perez, appeared protesting the Eurotel construction.

The place which is a heritage area is covered by a zoning ordinance, de la Rosa said. “The ordinance protects the character of the locality, and the place should be preserved as it has historical significance.”

Construction owner William Go who was present during the session, denied the building wass for a motel, but for a standard six-floor hotel.

Go is the managing director of Eurotel Corp., owner of lodging chain Sogo with branches nationwide.

The matter was referred to the council committee on laws for study even as Councilor Fred Bagbagen agreed the zoning ordinance be reviewed. – Julie G. Fianza