Talks on reversion of lots at Centcom 'continuing'

Talks are on with regards to the move of the Cebu Provincial government of filing a case in court that seeks to take back part of the lot occupied by the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Cebu City.

This was what Defense Assistant Secretary Roberto Feliciano said during his recent visit here when asked on the plan of the Department of National Defense regarding the move.

"Talks are continuing," he said and then refused to comment further on the issue.

Earlier, CentCom through the leadership of Lt. Gen. Samuel Bagasin took steps to address the problem of the provincial government on the latter's plan to take back 33 remaining lots previously donated to CentCom, but which allegedly have not served its original purpose.

Bagasin sought discussion with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on the 47 lots covering a total of 806.94 square meters or 80.694 hectares of property that the Province of Cebu donated to CentCom on October 12, 1959 during the stint of former governor Jose Briones.

The deed of donation issued has a very important provision which states that, "if the above described lots will be used for purposes other than military, then the above described properties will revert to the Province of Cebu."

Of the 47 lots donated, only 14 lots are reportedly used for military purposes and actually occupied by CentCom headquarters in barangay Apas while the remaining 33 lots are said to be occupied now by some military personnel as residential site.

Of these 33 lots, 18 lots or 32.37 hectares are covered by Presidential Proclamation No. 409 issued in June 2003 intended for socialized housing project. - Gregg M. Rubio/MEEV