Court denies Brgy Luz residents’ bid to reoccupy lots in two sitios

CEBU, Philippines -  Demolished residents of Barangay Luz failed in their attempt to reoccupy their place until the Cebu City government is able to provide them a relocation site.

This after the Regional Trial Court dismissed their motion seeking the court’s permission to allow them to continue to stay in Sitios Nangka and Mabuhay while the government is still looking for a resettlement area for them.

These residents refused to accept the three relocation sites offered by the city government claiming these are not habitable. However, RTC Branch 11 Judge Ramon Daomilas said the motion was lack of merit.

In his three-page order, Daomilas said that during  ocular inspection, he personally found out that the three relocation sites are habitable.

“With the foregoing, the court is of the view that the areas are habitable and is much better off than Barangay Luz. The fresh air is abundant and basic facilities are in place including the lights and water aside from the additional artesian well to be placed in the area,” Daomilas said.

The court has directed the sheriff to proceed with the demolition of the remaining houses in coordination with the Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP), the police and the parties.

Residents of Sitios Nangka and Mabuhay earlier filed a motion to allow them to reoccupy the area until a decent relocation site shall have been available for them to transfer.

They cited in the motion their right to adequate housing.

“Everyone has the right to adequate housing which is coupled with right to adequate standard of living, housing which includes the right to protection against arbitrary or unlawful interference,” the residents said.

According to them, the area in Barangay San Jose is not fit for living because of the risk of landslide. They also did not like to be in the place because it has no water supply and drainage.  The motion was vehemently opposed by the homeowners associations in the two sitios.— FPL (FREEMAN)