Purchase of lot for city’s housing program may be delayed

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government is now in the process of acquiring the 2.1-hectare lot in Barangay Inayawan for Socialized Housing worth P70 million.

However, this might be delayed after heirs of a certain Amando Abangan have claimed to be the real owners of the lot.

Joy Abangan Tagalog, Normita Abangan Labrador, Jimely Abangan, and Roy Abangan want the Cebu City Council to put on hold the payment of the lot, claiming they are the “real owners.”

Amando’s heirs sent the City Council proof that there was already a decision in court, saying that the lot is not anymore owned by Ana Abangan but of Amando.

The letter was copy furnished to the Office of the Mayor, Department of Welfare for Urban Poor, Office of the City Accountant, Office of the City Treasurer, Resident Auditor, Commission on Audit, City Attorney’s Office, Committee on Housing, Local Housing Board, Committee on Laws and Ordinance, and Barangay Council of Inayawan and requested to halt the negotiation with Ana’s heirs.

The city government has been negotiating with Ana’s heirs since 2012.

In 2012, Hugpong Community-Based Development Association, Inc. has requested the city government, through DWUP, to purchase the area to serve as a housing site, which can house 300 families who are currently staying near danger zone areas.

However, Amando’s heirs have intervened and asked for an investigation, saying that they are the real owners.

“May it please be further noted that the ownership of the Heirs of Amando Abangan over Lot No. 8450 was further affirmed and validated in Civil Case No. R-12096 entitled Amando Abangan decided by the Regional Trial Court of Cebu City, Branch 5, and said was affirmed by the Twentieth Division of the Court of Appeals with finality,” the letter of the heirs of Amando reads.

The Office of the City Treasurer has issued a Certificate of Availability of Funds amounting to P10 million and P20 million to cover the lot acquisition for the socialized housing reportedly owned by Ana’s heirs.

As recommended by the Local Housing Board, the P20 million will be charged against the Local Disaster Funds, while the P10 million will be charged against the Lump Sum Account in 2013.

The heirs of Amando are hoping that the city investigate the matter, adding that the city should only deal with the authorized representative of their family.  (FREEMAN)