Rotary Center closure legal, says QC LGU
‘The local government has no agreement with this foundation, and their collection of rent was without our permission.’
‘The local government has no agreement with this foundation, and their collection of rent was without our permission.’
The local government of Quezon City on Monday defended the closure of the Rotary Center on Roces Avenue, stating the move followed a legal process and addressed unauthorized commercial activity on city-owned land.
In a statement, city officials clarified that the closure was not sudden as they cited that the original 25-year lease agreement between the local government and Rotary International District 3780, signed in 1995 for a nominal annual rent of P1, expired on 30 July 2020.
Following the expiration, the city entered into a dialogue with District 3780 Governor Veronica Yu regarding the center’s future use. However, the city government discovered that the property was being occupied and managed by a separate entity, the Rotary Center Foundation Inc. (RCFI), rather than District 3780.
The city alleged that RCFI had been charging rent to business establishments, including a manning company and a restaurant, as well as various Rotary Club chapters, without city authorization.
“The local government has no agreement with this foundation, and their collection of rent was without our permission,” the statement said.
Officials added that the foundation lacked the necessary business permits and failed to declare income to the city.
According to city officials, Rotary District 3780 has officially stated that RCFI is not recognized by Rotary International and does not represent any of the 108 Rotary Clubs in Quezon City.
The local government announced plans to convert the buildings into a community center. Once repurposed, the facility will be offered free of charge to accredited socio-civic and professional organizations, including local Rotary Clubs. City officials noted that this plan has the support of the official Rotary District 3780 leadership.
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