Capitol eyes closure to Ord. 93-1 lots row

CEBU, Philippines - The provincial government of Cebu is hoping to resolve the over two decades of controversy surrounding the Provincial Ordinance 93-1 before Governor Hilario Davide, III’s term ends.

 â€œ(That’s our) objective this year. The governor wanted to have a closure of this on his term, the sooner the better,” said lawyer Orvi Ortega, Davide’s chief of staff and legal officer.

Ortega said the governor has already issued an executive order last month creating a special committee which is “tasked to resolve all issues pertaining province-owned lots that are occupied by these residents of the (Cebu) city nga naapil sa Ordinance 93-1”.

Ortega said, he and selected department heads are members of the committee headed by provincial administrator Marc Tolentino.

The chief of staff said the purpose of this new committee is to unify all efforts with regard to the 93-1 to hasten all discussions and negotiations.

“The committee will meet and set the guidelines, identify the legitimate beneficiaries through homeowners association. Then (from there know) how much (the appraisal value of the lots),” he said.

Ortega said it is not a back-to-zero negotiation as they will still consider what was agreed before even those from the past administrations. He said they still honor past agreements between the province and the homeowners assuming these were valid.

There are over 5,000 families in Cebu City who are occupying the province-owned lots in Barangays Luz, Apas, Busay, Lahug, Camputhaw, Lorega, Kalunasan and Capitol Site.

Ordinance 93-1 was approved in 1993 during the administration of then Governor Vicente dela Serna.  (FREEMAN)