The Quezon City Local Government on Monday clarified that the closure of the Rotary Center along Roces Avenue was carried out through proper legal processes, rejecting claims that the move was illegal.

“HINDI biglaan ang pagsasara ng dalawang gusali, na ipinatayo ng pamahalaan sa lupaing pag-aari ng lungsod. Taong 1995 nang lagdaan ang lease contract sa pagitan ng lokal na pamahalaan at Rotary International District 3780 (“Rotary District 3780”), at ang pag-okupa ng lupain ay may taunang renta lamang na P1.00. Ang kasunduang ito ay napaso noong July 30, 2020 pagkatapos ng 25 na taon,” the local government unit said in a statement.

The city government said that after the lease expired, it engaged in open and continuous dialogue with Rotary International District 3780, led by District Governor Veronica Yu, regarding the proper use of the center.

“Pagkatapos mapaso ang kontrata, naging bukas at patuloy ang dayalogo ng lokal na pamahalaan sa Rotary District 3780, sa pangunguna ni District Governor Veronica Yu, hinggil sa tamang paggamit ng center. Pero lingid sa kaalaman ng lokal na pamahalaan, ang Rotary Center ay inookupa at pinagkakitaan na ng Rotary Center Foundation Incorporated (RCFI); hindi ang Rotary District 3780 ang nangangasiwa dito,” it added.

The city government said that after determining the appropriate legal remedies, it sent notices to occupants and business establishments inside the center, including a manning company and a restaurant, which were found to be renting space from RCFI.

Authorities also cited reports that RCFI had been charging institutions and Rotary club chapters for the use of the center despite paying only P1 per year in rent.

“Walang kasunduan ang lokal na pamahalaan sa naturang foundation, at walang pahintulot ng lokal na pamahalaan ang paniningil nila ng upa. Wala itong kaukulang mga permit, at walang idineklarang kita, taliwas sa tamang proseso ng pagnenegosyo sa lungsod. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa nila ganap na isinusuko ang mga gusali sa lokal na pamahalaan,” the local government said.

The city further stressed that RCFI is not recognized by Rotary International and does not represent any of the 108 Rotary Clubs in Quezon City.

“Ito ang malinaw na katotohanan: Ang RCFI ay hindi rin kinikilala ng Rotary International at hindi rin kumakatawan sa alinman sa 108 Rotary Clubs sa Quezon City, ayon mismo sa opisyal na pahayag ng Rotary District 3780,” it added.

The QC government said its objective is to convert the property into a community center to be used free of charge by accredited socio-civic and professional organizations serving Quezon City residents.

“Higit sa lahat, ang tanging hangarin ng lokal na pamahalaan sa mga gusali ay gawin itong community center, at ipagamit ng LIBRE sa mga accredited socio-civic at professional organizations na nagsisilbi sa mga QCitizens gaya ng Rotary Clubs. Ang hakbang na ito ay suportado mismo ng Rotary District 3780,” the QC LGU stressed.