The seeds of discontent have definitely been sown.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation Inc. (MSBFI)—which is located at the corner of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Quezon Avenue—had been closed by the Quezon City government due to unpaid real estate taxes amounting to PHP57 million.
Well, it turns out that “on Monday night, Dec 9, 15 people protesting the Quezon City government’s closure of the seedling bank were arrested after they clashed with the police,” reports Julie M. Aurelio in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
According to the report, the following were taken into custody: Sylvia Attala Fortuno, 27, national treasurer of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap; Victor Gando, 60; Darwin Eleuterio, 23; Peter Lagtawan, 40; Diosdado Velasco, 57; Abelardo Manaois, 48; Rafael Montorio, 30; Melchor Mariano, 42; Pablito Simuoy, 33; Aprudecio Espino, 28; Irvin Pocong, 28; Ruben Dalanon, 33; Fortunato Olog, 31; Allan Simon, 31; and a 13-year-old girl. They (except probably for the 13-year-old girl) will be charged with physical injuries, assault upon an agent of person in authority, and resisting arrest.
The report said that “most of those arrested were tenants of the compound who were served cease-and-desist orders for failing to secure the necessary building and business permits.” The said tenants were given a year to vacate the seedling bank, but they refused to do so.
