Defense examines former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza

MANILA, Philippines – Defense presents as witness former Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza. Defense intends to show through the Atienza testimony that Mrs. Corona was authorized to sell Manila property of Basa Guidote Enterprises Inc. (BGEI).

Atienza says the Manila property had to be expropriated for the MRT project. He adds that the Manila city government sold the public market area to LRTA for the construction of the Legarda station so they had to relocate the market and its residents. Atienza says he property where they wanted to relocate residents displaced by LRT was the BGEI lot.

Atienza adds there were 5 parcels of land in the city ordinance but their research shows the Basa property belonged to BGEI. He also says that the city council set aside P30-M for the parcel of land.

Atienza says Mrs. Corona submitted a certification from the board that assigned Cristina Corona to act on behalf of BGEI.

Atienza on meet with the Chief Justice and his wife: I explained that the case will be filed unless we come to terms and that there was no way the Manila government can let go of the lot.

Mrs. Corona requested to increase the sale price from P25,000 per sq. m. to P50,000 per sq. m., says Atienza. He then said that the city government sent BGEI a letter to adjust purchasing price to P34,000 per sq. m.

Coronas reluctantly agreed to our price of P34,000 sq. m., says Atienza. Deed of sale submitted to court indicated it was executed on March 26, 2001.

Atienza says they paid BGEI thru a cheque amounting to P34,703,800. – Rappler.com