By Tracy Cabrera

SANTA CRUZ, Manila — It appears filing of charges against contractors is the order of the day as Manila mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso ordered the filing of charges against the contractor who initiated the demolition of a community hub in the city's Santa Cruz district

According to the mayor, the city government will be filing criminal charges against Jelsie Construction and Supply Incorporated over the unauthorized demolition of the Rizal Avenue Sports Athletics Complex (RASAC) covered court.

Domagoso disclosed that the charges will be filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office against the Jeslie Construction’s general manager, Jesse Mahusay, for the following violations: Special Cases of Malicious Mischief under Article 328 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, to be filed by the City General Services Office (CGSO); unlawful demolition and construction without the necessary permit in violation of the National Building Code of the Philippines, to be filed by the Department of Engineering and Public Works; and the unathorized taking of government facility in violation of Republic Act 10344 or the 'Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act', to be filed by the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO).

Based on data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) North Manila District Engineering Office, the ₱145.5 million project was awarded to Jelsie Construction through a notice of award dated May 22, 2025. A contract agreement was signed on May 23, followed by a notice to proceed on May 26.

However, the demolition and ongoing construction of a new multi-purpose building at the RASAC site were never submitted to the city government of Manila for the necessary permits or clearances. The RASAC complex was built in 1910 and later redeveloped into an all-weather covered court in 1995 under then-mayor Alfredo 'Fred' Lim.

Domagoso asserted that certifications submitted by concerned offices of the city government confirmed there were no records of demolition, building, zoning, or tax payment permits in Jelsie Construction’s name.
"Jelsie Construction had no authority from the city government to destroy or replace the facility. I am instituting this criminal complaint as the local chief executive of the country’s capital city," the mayor stated while clarifying that his decision to charge the construction firm was prompted by hus desire to promote the rule of law.

“This is not only about protecting property but protecting the welfare of our citizens. We cannot allow private contractors to demolish and build at will without the authority of the city, especially on facilities critical to disaster preparedness and public service," he concluded.