During Monday’s flag raising ceremony at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III said officials are still awaiting documentation before demolishing the structure, which is set to be replaced by a new Iloilo Freedom Grandstand at Ortiz-Muelle Loney Streets in the City Proper district of Iloilo City.

“We will demolish the Freedom Grandstand once all documents are done,” he said.

The mayor also noted, once demolished, “The old site will be restored to become Sunburst Park.”

According to Arch. Dolly Anne M. Zoluaga of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), P50 million has already been provided by the city government.

After previously speculating the new facility would accommodate almost 1,000 spectators, a recent release from the government upped the number to between 1,000 to 3,000.

Last December, the Regional Trial Court dismissed a case brought forward by informal settlers who were occupying the 2,600-square meter lot the structure will be built on. The case was brought forward in August 2017 after they were ordered to vacate by the city’s Task Force on Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures.

The Municipal Trial Court also reached the same decision in the respective civil case.

The project is a part of the city’s Urban Renewal Program./PLL, WDJ