THE shutting down of Villa Tomasa resort along the famous Alona beach stretch in Tawala, Panglao that resulted to work stoppage and guests’ displacement was illegal, Atty. Abrahan Espejo, lawyer of Guado family that operates the said resort, said.
He told a press conference at Shang resto that there was no court order since only the court has the power to do such closure.
Espejo, as a lawyer, said that it seemed there was a breach of rules of procedure when the local government of Panglao town carried out the closure.
Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay early of last week accompanied the enforcers in implementing his order and personally hands on in padlocking the main door of the resort.
Mayor Arcay told media interview that the closure order was carried out since the resort did not have mayor’s permit to operate this year.
The lawyer-counsel of the Guardo family that rented and operated the then Alona KEW resort bared that they’ll file criminal, civil and administrative cases against those responsible in the closure order.
When asked who are those he considers liable in the closure, Espejo did not divulge on who are to be sued since he did not want to pre-empt. But he said the media know them, instead.
He explained that he did not want those to be sued be put to shame like what the latter did to Villa Tomasa.
He said that there were no warning for the closure when asked if they were informed before hand. “It was like lighting, biglaan,” and by force, he said.
He explained that the closure was effected because there’s no mayor’s permit is different from being dispossessed like what those who implemented the closure order against Villa Tomasa. And only the court can order for such.
Those who carried out the closure are liable for the displaced resort workers and probably the impact on the visitors coming in Bohol.
But he said that in behalf of his client, “we are open to reasonable settlement” if they ask for apology.
Settlement that is a “win-win” resolution for both sides and they’re willing to forgive if those responsible ask for it.
This writer tried to get the side of the mayor’s office. (rvo)
