Block tenant, employees appeal closure order

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – The tenant and employees of a block at the central market that was served a closure order appealed to Mayor Evelio Leonardia to intercede in their behalf.

In a Facebook post, the employees of Center Remnant at Block 136 of the central market said they stand to lose their jobs if the closure order pushes through by Monday.

They asked Leonardia to listen to their plea as the father of the city.

“Mayor naga apela kami sa imu nga indi pag ipasara ang block 136 sa central market nga kon diin nahamtang ang Center Remnant kay dira kami naga obra kag naga salig sang amon nga palangabuhian para isagod sa amon nga pamilya,” the workers said in the post.

They added “Mayor subong nga may pandemic pa kaluoy man sang amon nga pamilya kung mawad-an kami sang obra, kabay pa nga mapa matian mo ang amon gina apela sa imo.”

Stall renter Regin David said he has also submitted a letter-appeal to Leonardia.

David lamented that he seems to have been singled out in the closure order.

He said that he has the right to assume the block awarded to his grandfather because majority of the direct heirs have waived their rights in his favor.

Since his grandfather died in July 2019, he has assumed running their business and can be considered as the actual occupant, thus qualified to be awarded the block.

As to their two-year arrears, he said the Local Market Committee has not served a notice to his grandfather when the latter was still alive.

David said he paid the business permit fee arrears but was surprised that the receipt was later cancelled and the money returned to him.

David said he appealed to Leonardia to intercede not only for himself but for his employees who depend on the center for their livelihood.