Eviction looms: PCGG claims Payanig tenants’ rent unpaid since ’08

Claiming unpaid rent, the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) has sought the eviction of nine tenants from Payanig sa Pasig, the formerly private lot that was surrendered to the government in 1986 by an associate of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

The PCGG this week filed before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court a complaint against the tenants for failure to pay rent since September 2008.

The property is a prime triangle lot abutting Ortigas, Meralco and Julia Vargas Avenues.

“The tenants have not been paying their rent for more than three years, to the damage and prejudice of the government,” the PCGG said in a statement.

The respondents include the owners of the following commercial establishments: Citygolf Plaza, Transview Golf Philippines Inc., Uncle Moe’s Shawarma Hub, Razon’s, Golfworx, Bugsy’s Bar and Restaurant, Angel’s Pizza, Brooklyn Pizza and Tijuana’s Mexican Grill Corp.

The PCGG said it sent demand letters to the tenants last year through the Mid-Pasig Land Development Corp., which manages the property.

“The tenants unjustifiably refused to comply, and to this day continue to occupy subject premises,” said the PCGG.

The commission also asked the court to order the immediate return of the property to the government and for damages as “reasonable compensation” for the commercial use of the land since 2008.

The 18.5-hectare Pasig lot was among the properties that Marcos associate Jose Yao Campos surrendered to the government in 1986 after the dictator was deposed. The lot was believed to be part of Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth.