Gwapotel to close in 10 days

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has given tenants of the Gwapotel workers’ inn in Manila 10 days to vacate the building.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said yesterday the four-story building will be closed because of safety issues following an inspection by the Bureau of Fire Protection. It means the occupants should leave the facility by Aug. 27.

“The stall owners were given 10 days for free,” MMDA deputy chief of staff Michael Salalima said in a brief interview.

During this period, stall owners can still sell their products, he added.

Stall owners held a protest yesterday, assailing the MMDA for reportedly not notifying them.There are over 20 stalls at the inn.

Lim said the National Power Corp., which owns the building, wants it back. He also said all the tenants’ lease contracts have expired, the latest on Tuesday.

“Since there are no more existing contracts, it could be now closed because of safety issues,” he said.

The inn has provided 12-hour lodging with a free shower for workers and travelers for P50. It became operational in 2007 under then MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando.