SMPHI asks for 5-day extension to answer

SM PRIME Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) has asked the court for an additional five-day extension to answer the counterclaim filed by Negros Occidental provincial officials pertaining to the Province’s 7.7-hectare land deal with Ayala Land Inc.

Last August 19, SM Prime filed the motion for extension until August 24 to file their reply.

A check with Branch 48 of the Regional Trial Court in Bacolod City showed that as of Monday, September 8, the court has not yet received an answer from SM Prime.

SM Prime, through its lawyer Vince Bayhon, stated in its motion that although they have begun drafting their reply, the number of issues raised by the defendants that need to be addressed, as well the unavoidable interruptions that are equally important work as reasons to ask for additional extension to file their reply.

Assistant Provincial Legal Officer Mary Ann Lamis said this is a normal situation.

Lawyers usually ask for extension in the filing of their pleadings because of several cases they handle, she said.

Capitol officials led by Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. have filed their answer and sought a P50-million counterclaim against SM Prime.

Ayala Land also filed P40.5-million counter claims against SM Prime.

Meanwhile, Lamis said the case could not affect the implementation of the development plan of Ayala Land on the leased Capitol properties.

She said Ayala Land has been processing pertaining permits and other documents to start their project.
Source: Sun Star