Rama: Give titles even to those still with dues

CEBU, Philippines –  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants all land titles to be given to slum improvement resettlement beneficiaries before his term ends, regardless if the beneficiaries have not fully paid yet.

“Just because naay pay bayranan ang tawo, it shouldn’t become a hindrance to the transfer of their title,” said Land Management Council Chairperson Jade Ponce, quoting the mayor.

He said the city can just annotate the title stating that a certain beneficiary has remaining balance to settle with the city government.

Ponce said it is much better to transfer the titles to the beneficiaries even though they have not fully paid yet because it will give them a sense of assurance and inspiration.

“Once the title will be transferred to the beneficiaries bisan naa pay bayranan it will give them (beneficiaries) confidence” he said.

He also said that if the beneficiaries have the titles, it would give them more opportunity as lot owner to transact and to increase opportunities for livelihood.

“Let us not be too bureaucratic, let’s review our policies nga unya na nato i-transfer unless fully paid. Ang tawo man gud nga pila na ka dekada nagbayad nya wa gihapon movement magtuo nga din-a tinuod kay nagbayad pero wala ra gihapon,” Ponce said.

On title owners selling their rights, Ponce said that is one of the factors that they would make new policies on.

“We give the option to the people, if gusto nila ibaligya ang rights they can but they need to face the consequences of the decision,” Ponce said.

Rama has said that he would like that once he would leave City Hall he has given a great contribution in shortening the gap between the rich and the poor. — /RHM (FREEMAN)