BAGUIO CITY — City Mayor Mauricio Domogan through , Administrative Order 129, has created a Special Committee on Awards to administer the bidding process that will eventually enable the local government unit (LGU) of Baguio City to operate, maintain and secure the Asin Hot Spring Resort in Nangalisan Tuba, Benguet.
The 4,344 square meter parcel where the Asin Hot Spring resort is located is owned by the LGU Baguio City.
The resort was leased to private individuals for 20 years or from 1976 to 1996.
The resort manager, Roger Sinot, took over as a sub-lessor in 1993.
Domogan explained that in June 2002, Sinot entered into a contract of lease with the LGU Baguio City for 15 years with a monthly rental of PhP15,000.
The contract was not confirmed by the Baguio City Council as provided for by the Local Government Code.
In June 2013, the Supreme Court favored the Court of Appeals (CA) Decision and Resolution ordering Sinot to immediately vacate and turn-over the Asin Hot Spring Resort to its rightful owner/s and pay PhP5,000 monthly rental for the use and occupation of the resort from December 1996 until he shall have finally vacated the same, Domogan said.
Despite several demands to vacate the resort, Sinot continues to operate the Asin Hot Spring Resort.
Domogan also explained that to be able to recover the funds and the property, the Special Committee on Awards will administer the bidding process based on the Commission on Audit (COA) circular.
The Special Committee will be chaired by city administrator Carlos Canilao with city budget officer Leticia Clemente, general services officer Romeo Concio, city accountant Antonio Tabin and officer-in-charge city legal officer Melchor Carlos Rabanes as members.
Domogan directed the committee to convene immediately to carry out the bidding procedures for the city to recover the property and subsequently, be an income-generating asset of the city. Jojo Lamaria/PNA-northboundasia.com