Manila to file charges vs. contractor over community hub demolition

ILLEGAL DEMOLITION. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno during a press conference at the City Hall on Wednesday (Aug. 27, 2025). He said the city government would file criminal charges against the contractor behind the unauthorized demolition of the Rizal Avenue Sports Athletics Complex in Sta. Cruz district. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The city government of Manila is set to file criminal charges against an official of Jelsie Construction and Supply, Inc. for the “illegal” demolition of the Rizal Avenue Sports Athletics Complex (RASAC) covered court in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

In a statement on Wednesday, Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno said charges would be filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office against the firm’s general manager, Jesse Mahusay, for the following violations: Special Cases of Malicious Mischief under Article 328 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, to be filed by the City General Services Office (CGSO); unlawful demolition and construction without the necessary permit in violation of the National Building Code of the Philippines, to be filed by the Department of Engineering and Public Works; and the unathorized taking of government facility in violation of Republic Act 10344 or the “Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act,” to be filed by the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO).

Data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – North Manila District Engineering Office showed that the PHP145.

5 million project was awarded to Jelsie Construction through a notice of award dated May 22, 2025. A contract agreement was signed on May 23, followed by a notice to proceed on May 26.

Moreno, however, said the demolition and ongoing construction of a new multi-purpose building at the RASAC site were never submitted to the city government of Manila for the necessary permits or clearances. The RASAC complex was built in 1910 and later redeveloped into an all-weather covered court in 1995 under then-mayor Alfredo S.

Lim.

He added that certifications submitted by concerned City Hall offices confirmed there were no records of demolition, building, zoning, or tax payment permits in Jelsie Construction’s name.

The mayor also stressed that Jelsie Construction had no authority from the city government to destroy or replace the facility.

“I am instituting this criminal complaint as the local chief executive of the country’s capital city,” he said.

“This is not only about protecting property but protecting the welfare of our citizens. We cannot allow private contractors to demolish and build at will without the authority of the city, especially on facilities critical to disaster preparedness and public service.”