ILOILO CITY — Mayor Jerry Treñas here is facing administrative complaints over the alleged illegal demolition of the Iloilo Central Market, a presumed Important Cultural Property under the National Heritage Act of 2009.
Treñas is facing allegations of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming, and acts prejudicial to the interest. “The demolition of a historic center in a cultural heritage tourism zone without proper clearance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines by the respondent constitutes oppression, misconduct in office, dereliction of duty, and abuse of authority in its most basic sense,” said Lujan in his 17-page complaint.
It was announced during the August 2022 signing of the lease of agreement that Central Market’s façade would not be touched as it was a heritage structure.The Central Market issue has resulted into Treñas cussing and threatening to sue journalists for asking questions during a May 20 press conference.