City offers to buy Apas lot to save residents from eviction

CEBU, Philippines – If only to spare the 168 families of Four Roses Neighborhood Association, Incorporated in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas from being evicted, the city government is open to the idea of buying the lot.

Danilo Gabiana, head of the city's Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor, said that the city is willing to buy the property should the owner agree to sell it at a reasonable price.

He said the city can afford to pay the property at P2,500 to P3,000 per square meter which is the price level for a housing site. The property, lot 937, is approximately 46,735 square meters or 4.6 hectares.

City Legal Officer Joseph Bernaldez said that there is no legal impediment if the city would opt to buy the lot and if the owner is not amenable with the price, the city has the option to initiate an expropriation proceeding.

"When we file for expropriation, maka-suggest man ta pila ang value sa pagapaliton. Upon filing, mo-deposit na ta sa amount didto sa court," he added.

When the city acquires the property, the residents will then have to pay monthly amortization to the city until such time they are able to settle their dues.

The residents of the place were supposed to be demolished last Wednesday but they were able to get six months reprieve from the court.

The six-month grace period was requested by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to give ample time to the affected residents to find another place where they can relocate.

The barangay officials of Apas are planning to intervene in the case to protect the rights of the residents.

Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman said that the rights of the residents for due process of law will be violated if the demolition is done without giving them the opportunity to defend themselves before the court.

Ayuman said there was no ejectment case filed against the residents before the court yet. (THE FREEMAN)