MANILA, Philippines?Although Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim had said that health and public safety would be his primary consideration vis-a-vis the fate of the Pandacan oil depot and other major industries operating in the city, he was quick to add that he had not yet made up his mind on the controversial issue.

Lim has yet to sign Ordinance 7177, which creates zones for medium and heavy industries in the city, for it to become a law.

The ordinance was approved by the City Council on third and final reading last Thursday. In effect, it allows the oil depot, as well as other industrial plants, to continue operating in the city.

?I haven?t read its provisions, but I will ask my legal team to study it before I take action,? Lim told reporters.

In an interview two months ago, Lim said he would veto the ordinance that would amend the city?s zoning plan.

When reminded about his previous statement, the mayor told Inquirer that he would weigh all factors first before he makes a decision. He, however, stressed that he would comply with the decision of the Supreme Court.

Last week, the high tribunal affirmed with finality its decision upholding Ordinance 8027, which reclassified parts of Pandacan and Sta. Ana from industrial and commercial zones, mandating Pilipinas Shell, Chevron and Petron to transfer their operations elsewhere.

But Councilor Arlene Koa, author of the newly approved ordinance, pointed out that the Supreme Court had said its order may be superseded by a new ordinance to be passed by the city council, or any amendment to Ordinance 8027.

Meanwhile, the Social Justice System has informed the Supreme Court of the Manila City Council?s passage of the ordinance revising the zonal classification of Pandacan that would pave the way for the continued stay of the oil depots in the area.

In a manifestation, lawyer Vladimir Cabigao and Bonifacio Tumbokon asked the high tribunal to consider the manifestation in deciding the oil depot issues pending before it.