The Mandaluyong City Council on Thursday, Aug. 7, clarified that it has not allowed nor issued any resolution allowing the construction and development of a 72-story high-rise condominium building along Ortigas Avenue in Barangay Wack-Wack, which was heavily protested by nearby residents.

“The Council has neither received any nor does it have any knowledge whatsoever of any permit issued by Barangay Wack Wack involving the Project," the City Council said in a certification dated Aug. 5.

"This Certification is made primarily to clarify issues raised before the Greenhills East Village Homeowners, and for whatever legal purpose it may serve," it added.

The document was signed by Vice Mayor Antonio DLS Suva Jr. and Councilors Benjamin Abalos III, Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas, Anjelo Elton Yap, Danilo de Guzman, Grace Marie Antonio, Estanislao Alim, Darwin Fernandez, Michael Eric Cuejilo, Fernando Ocampo, Reginald Antiojo, Leslie Cruz, and Cherilyn Mina.

Greenhills East Village residents living near the planned construction site had earlier raised concerns over the proposed construction of the condominium, saying that its construction “threatens the peace, safety, and livability of the neighborhood—and violates both zoning laws and the spirit of Mandaluyong City’s own policies.”

According to the building's developers, the project comes with a projected nine-year construction timeline—a red flag for residents who said the prolonged disruption poses serious risks to children, senior citizens, and the broader school zone ecosystem.

In their petition, the residents cited the Green Building Ordinance (No. 709, S. 2018) and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (2017–2032), emphasizing health, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

They also claimed that the developers allegedly submitted requirements to the barangay without conducting a proper public hearing or obtaining approval from key stakeholders, including Greenhills East homeowners, La Salle Greenhills School, Santuario De San Jose Church, DENT (Drainage, Electrical, Noise, and Traffic) clearances, DENR, and the ECC.

During a townhall meeting in Greenhills East Village, Sen. Erwin Tulfo also called the project “a matter of great concern,” citing serious issues surrounding zoning violations, safety, and lack of community consultation.

“This is not just about a building,” Tulfo said. “It’s about protecting the character of our neighborhood, our safety, our traffic systems, and most importantly, our right as residents to be heard.”

Tulfo stressed that the project directly violates existing zoning regulations, which classify Greenhills East Village as a low- to medium-rise residential zone.

He also condemned the process by which the project was revealed to residents, many of whom learned about it only through informal channels.

“No formal notice, no public hearing, and no consent was sought from the residents. That’s a blatant disregard of our rights and our voices," Tulfo said.

Calling for transparency and accountability, the senator urged the Mandaluyong City government to review and, if necessary, revoke any permits granted for the project. He also advocated for a public hearing where residents could voice out their concerns and demand for answers.