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Yaranon vows not to defy Supreme Court decision on Jadewell

BAGUIO CITY (Feb. 17) — City mayor Braulio Yaranon said this week that he might just forward clarifications to the Supreme Court (SC) on its recent ruling that Jadewell Parking Systems Corporation be allowed to operate in city parks and streets.

Yaranon said he would abide by the ruling saying “As a lawyer and former judge, I have no intention of disobeying the court on this.” He asked people to protect the sovereign government and resist any action done by a private entity against the legitimate city government.

In a 6-page document of the SC’s Division, the high tribunal directed the mayor to “immediately reopen the streets and/or premises occupied by the respondent (Jadewell) and to let the said streets and premises remain open until further notices from this Court.”

Yaranon said, however, that the ruling does not say anything about Jadewell’s business permit, which allows it to operate only along Harrison Road. Jadewell has been conducting operations in other parts of the city. With this, the mayor said it is up to Jadewell to operate at its own risk.

Yaranon said the city does not have to implement the order because Jadewell personnel have removed the copies of the closure order city hall authorities have posted in January.

While Jadewell and the mayor have battled since day one, Yaranon clarified that he has no intention to defy the SC order and that he is law-abiding. He still questioned however, how a private entity like Jadewell can assume and implement government responsibilities, such as managing traffic, enforcing traffic ordinances and collecting public revenue. The mayor cited the case of Jadewell as a case of institutionalized graft and corruption, adding that the Casino scandal is another such case.

He appealed to the Baguio public for support in this issue and advised motorists to refuse to pay if apprehended by Jadewell. # Abigail Taguba Bengwayan for NORDIS

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