ILOILO CITY — Mayor Jerry Treñas is facing an administrative complaint over the redevelopment of the Iloilo Central Market, particularly the demolition of the 80-year-old art deco facade.Jose Nereo Lujan, a cultural heritage advocate chief of the Iloilo Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office, filed the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas on July 4.
The 80-year-old art deco façade of the Iloilo Central Market that is still existent during the groundbreaking ceremony of the market's redevelopment on Sept. 18, 2023. He argued that the mayor's actions violated laws and regulations. He also said that the art deco structure is a recognized heritage site and an important cultural property as per the National Historical Commission of the Philippines Resolution 3, Series of 2014.The Central Market was opened to the public on Jan. 15, 1912, while the art deco facade was built in 1938.