Maharlika Livelihood Complex relocates stalls citing fire safety rules

BAGUIO CITY — Management of the Maharlika Livelihood Complex (MLC) has begun relocating food and retail stalls from the lobby and frontage to upper floors, citing fire safety and building compliance requirements.

MLC General Manager Arthur Allad-iw told the Baguio City Council on Jan. 12 that the removals were based on recommendations from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the City Buildings and Architecture Office.

Affected stalls were transferred to the fourth through sixth floors. Due to limited space, some vendors on the sixth floor are sharing stalls but maintain separate shelving and display areas.

Allad-iw said the relocation is temporary and consistent with fire safety regulations and the operational policies set by the Transition Coordinating Committee, pending the completion of the Maharlika Master Development Plan.

He added that the committee, created through an executive order, sets policy for the complex while the MLC administration implements it.

The move followed a recent court decision denying a petition by 14 ground-floor lessees seeking a temporary restraining order to stop their transfer.

In a three-page order dated Dec. 31, 2025, Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Michael Francico ruled that the petitioners had no existing legal right to remain on the ground floor and that relocation does not bar them from continuing operations.

The court noted that the denial of the TRO does not prejudice the merits of the vendors’ claims, which may still be pursued in proper proceedings.

Vendors operating fruit stands along the building frontage were also relocated, with most reassigned to the fourth floor.

During the same City Council session, several relocated vendors appealed for humanitarian consideration, saying the implementation during the holiday season was abrupt and left them little time to seek remedies.

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and Councilor Jose Molintas cautioned that the issue remains sub judice, warning that public discussions could expose parties to contempt of court or be considered forum shopping.

Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda said proposed interim operational guidelines for the MLC could offer future options for stall placement.