Baguio: The city government must resolve long-standing issues over the Baguio public market after SM Prime Holdings withdrew its unsolicited proposal to redevelop the more than three-hectare property, officials said Monday. Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan stated that the city needs to settle problems like property boundaries and occupant rights before any development can proceed.

According to Philippines News Agency, SM Prime Holdings cited unresolved matters among the city's executive and legislative branches, market vendors, and other stakeholders as the reason for withdrawing its 2020 proposal. The plan involved building, operating, and managing the market for 50 years, which required the temporary relocation of about 4,000 vendors. Olowan mentioned that it is unfortunate that the city is back to square one, marking the second time efforts to improve the public market have not materialized.

Olowan added that the council will continue discussions as it awaits formal communication of the withdrawal. Former councilor Mylen Yaranon, part of an opposition group, expressed that protests would continue, urging the city to revisit past studies and plans that prioritize preserving historic market sections.