Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is unfazed by the multiple administrative complaints lodged against him before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.
In a statement, Treñas said he is “ready to answer” the complaints filed by Nereo Lujan, head of the Iloilo Provincial Government’s Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO).
“All rules and regulations under the existing laws were followed,” the mayor said.
Lujan accused Treñas of committing grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming, and acts prejudicial to the interest of service.
The complaints stemmed from the demolition of 80- year-old art deco façade of the lloilo Central Market in the city.
“The demolition of a historic center in a cultural heritage tourism zone without proper clearance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) by the respondent constitutes oppression, misconduct in office, dereliction of duty, and abuse of authority in its most basic sense,” said Lujan.
The Capitol official also asked the Ombudsman-Visayas to impose a preventive suspension on Treñas while the investigation is ongoing.
The historic facade was demolished as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the public market, which was constructed in January 1912.IMT
