The Lacson Underpass in Manila which serves as the pathway to and from Quiapo Church will be open 24 hours a day starting June 25, Manila City Mayor-elect Francisco “Isko” Moreno announced.
Photos obtained by Domagoso’s office showed that notices have been put up at all entrances of the underpass announcing that the Paterno and Escaldo gates will be open 24 hours everyday.
Victory Mall, the private firm managing the Lacson Underpass, had scheduled to open the passageway at 9:00 a.m. and close it at 10:00 p.m.
But the mall operator decided to open the passageway 24/7 after Domagoso vowed in a press conference at the Manila City Hall on Monday, June 17, that he would “give back the Lacson Underpass to the people of Manila.”
“I will guarantee you, put this on record, it’s either they continue to do business and open (the Lacson Underpass) 24 hours a day… if they will not follow, wala na silang negosyo at hindi na sila welcome sa Lungsod ng Maynila,” Domagoso said.
“I will prioritize Manilans, nothing more, nothing less,” the Mayor-elect stressed, citing the grievances of senior citizens having a difficult time going to Quiapo Church when the underpass is closed.
The announcement was made by Victory Mall days before the scheduled oath-taking of newly elected Manila City government officials. The new administration will begin in July. (Erma Edera)
