Fernandez looking into eviction case

Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez yesterday said the city is now studying options to address the issues regarding the eviction of 263 families occupying the old Philippine Railway lots in barangays Mohon and Pooc.

The Philippine Railway lots are covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program under the Department of Land Reform, which reportedly awarded it to at least 11 tenants who have ordered the presents occupants to vacate the area.

Fernandez said he already ordered the city assessor's office to verify the status of the Philippine Railway lots if these are still owned by the Philippine government. If so he will ask President Gloria Arroyo for the proper disposition of the lots and possible awarded to the present dwellers.

The settlers said they have nowhere to transfer if they leave, adding that most of them have been occupying the place since 1980.

The settlers said the tenant-awardees are not the absolute owners of the lot because the DAR and Department of Environment and Natural Resources have yet to finish the survey to determine whether it is under CARP. City assessor Alma Abellanosa said the Philippine Railway was reportedly titled and owned by Antonio Lim Tan Ho. She said the staff had already ascertains the status of the property and as to the actual occupants of the lots. Under the present Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the city, the contested area is now classified as residential area.

The settlers said the tenant-awardees are no longer titling the land and even sold a portion of it for residential and commercial purposes. - Garry B. Lao