SM Prime withdraws Baguio market redevelopment proposal

BAGUIO CITY — SM Prime Holdings Inc. has withdrawn its proposal for the redevelopment of the Baguio City Public Market, Mayor Benjamin Magalong confirmed after receiving a formal letter from the company, according to a Facebook post by the city’s public information office.

The withdrawal comes amid months of public debate over the proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) redevelopment of the century-old city market, which had drawn opposition from vendors, consumers, and community groups.

In a press release issued on Dec. 23, 2025, Magalong said he had earlier, on Dec. 22, strongly defended the proposed PPP, stressing that the city government acted transparently and followed proper procedures despite what he described as misinformation circulating about the project.

“We are on the side of truth, based on evidence and facts. It’s up to the people if they will believe the lies being circulated,” the mayor said.

Magalong stressed that the PPP process underwent close monitoring by the national PPP Center, which, he said, found no anomalies. He reiterated that the project was free from corruption and irregularities.

“There is no corruption, no wrongdoing. I am simply implementing the decision of the City Council to pursue the PPP,” he said.

The mayor clarified that the final decision on the redevelopment lies with the City Council and emphasized that he does not influence its members.

“It’s now up to the City Council to decide. That’s no longer with me. I let them do their job,” he said, adding that political will is needed to move the project forward.

Magalong also disclosed that he recently met with the city’s bishop and priests to explain the project in detail, saying the clergy gained clarity after being allowed to ask even “provocative questions.”

“We told them the truth. There was no rehearsal, no memorization—just the truth,” he said.

The mayor underscored the need for major infrastructure upgrades at the public market, citing recurring fire incidents and long-standing sanitation and drainage problems.

“If you really want to clean it properly, you need good infrastructure, especially the drainage. That’s a big job,” Magalong said.

He further condemned allegations linking some city councilors to corruption, calling such claims baseless and damaging.

“I pity some councilors who are being accused of accepting bribes. Those are lies,” he said.

Public opposition to the redevelopment intensified on Nov. 26, 2025, when hundreds of market vendors, consumers, and community members marched from the Baguio City Public Market to Malcolm Square to protest the proposed PPP with SM Prime.

City officials have yet to announce the next steps following SM Prime’s withdrawal, as discussions on the future of the public market continue.