Former Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr. has come under fire from Greenhills East residents for “lawyering” on behalf of Shang Properties Inc. (SPI) in connection with its planned 71-story condominium project in the city.
In a dialogue between city officials, SPI representatives, and residents, Abalos appeared to side with the developer, hinting that the local government would approve the project and instructing a city official to “explain why we are allowing this application for exemption.”
He also repeatedly advocated for SPI’s project, saying it will help generate much-needed funds for the city government.
“I know it will inconvenience you, and therefore we do not deny that. It’s part of progress. The demands for more revenues are getting bigger,” Abalos said.
“We are trying to raise funds. Kaya po ako’y nakikiusap for the city,” he added, urging residents to support the local government.
“This is your city. We need money. We need money to sustain,” the former Mayor insisted.
Residents, however, pushed back, stressing that revenues should not come at the expense of community welfare. One resident suggested that if SPI truly wanted to help Mandaluyong, it should consider building in another location or limiting its project to six stories.
Abalos, in response, defended SPI’s return on investment, saying the company could not recover its ₱2.4 billion land purchase with a shorter building.
Tensions further rose when Abalos confronted some residents who voiced their opposition during SPI’s presentation.
“Let us control our temper. You don’t have to shout,” he said.
