Manila’s second-biggest flood control contractor faces criminal charges

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has ordered the filing of criminal charges against Jelsie Construction and Supply, Inc., the city’s second-largest flood control contractor, for the “illegal” demolition of the Rizal Avenue Sports Athletics Complex (RASAC) covered court in Sta. Cruz.

Records from the government’s SumbongSaPangulo.ph website show that Jelsie Construction has cornered more than ₱1.43 billion worth of flood control projects across all six districts of Manila, second only to Eight J’s Construction Services, which has ₱2.78 billion in contracts.

Despite this portfolio, the company, represented by general manager Jesse R. Mahusay, is now facing multiple charges before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.

The cases include malicious mischief under Article 328 of the Revised Penal Code, unlawful demolition and construction without permits under the National Building Code, and unauthorized taking of a government facility under Republic Act 10344 or the Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act.

Mayor Domagoso said the demolition and construction of a multi-purpose building at the RASAC site were carried out without any permit or clearance from the city.

“There were neither prior consultations made nor any prior approval with the City Council of Manila; not even coordination made,” he said.

Checks with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed that the project was a ₱145.5-million “Multi-Purpose Building, Sentro Komunidad de Santa Cruz, Manila (Phase 1),” awarded to Jelsie Construction in May 2025.

But the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has marked the project “For Later Release,” meaning it was still pending approval by the Office of the President as of August 22.

Domagoso said the RASAC complex was not an ordinary structure but a city heritage site dating back to 1910.

Rebuilt in 1995 under former Mayor Alfredo Lim, it had since served as a sports and community hub, housing a City Hall satellite office, a police outpost, a daycare center, and a disaster evacuation site.

The RASAC facility was also repurposed as a COVID-19 isolation facility at the height of the pandemic, Domagoso noted.

The Mayor also said he was alerted to the demolition on August 21 by residents during his district rounds.

“To my shock and consternation, the entire complex was gone, replaced by heavy equipment and construction for a new project,” he said.

Certifications from various city offices later confirmed that no demolition, building, zoning, or contractor’s tax permits had ever been issued in Jelsie Construction’s name.

Domagoso stressed that the company had no authority from the city to demolish or replace the facility.

“This is not only about protecting property but protecting the welfare of our citizens. We cannot allow private contractors to demolish and build at will without the authority of the city, especially on facilities critical to disaster preparedness and public service,” he said.