Manila files charges vs contractor over illegal demolition

The Manila city government has filed criminal charges against Jelsie Construction and Supply, Inc. for the illegal demolition of the Rizal Avenue Sports Athletic Complex (RASAC) covered court in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Mayor Isko Moreno stated that the contractor demolished the facility without permits to build a P145.5-million multipurpose building.

Charges filed include malicious mischief, unlawful demolition and construction without a permit, and unauthorized taking of a government facility.

The demolition also damaged a city satellite office, police outpost, and daycare center.

Moreno alleged that Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua is behind the project, a claim denied by Chua who stated the Department of Public Works and Highways funded it.

The RASAC covered court was an important facility for evacuation and humanitarian purposes.

Moreno had previously ordered the padlocking of the construction site and confiscation of equipment on August 21.