Archdiocese wants to re-possess properties

CEBU, Philippines – The Archdiocese of Cebu is asking the city government to help them acquire back at least three of their properties in barangay Carreta and at the Parian area.

City Administrator Francisco Fernandez said they have been holding meetings with the Archdiocese led by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal who had expressed interest to re-possess its properties “for culture and historical uses.”

The problem, however, is that these properties are already occupied like the one at the Parian area wherein a part of which is being occupied by the Parian Fire Station. 

The property in barangay Carreta is the one being occupied by the Osmeña Musoleum.

Fernandez said the archdiocese has cited a Supreme Court ruling, which reportedly has given the church the ownership of the properties.

Should the re-possession pushes through, Fernandez said the city may have to relocate the Parian police station to the South Road Properties.

Parian used to have a church that was used by the native Cebuanos, which was ordered closed by the Spanish priests of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

“But these are all brainstorming yet, I said okay, hand me your position paper and lets see what we can do,” Fernandez said. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)