City Council OKs lot acquisition in Binaliw

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council approved yesterday the acquisition of a private property in Barangay Binaliw for the city government’s socialized housing program.

The City Council has authorized Mayor Michael Rama to sign the contract to sell and deed of absolute sale with Geronimo Sta. Ana, owner of the 17,618-square meter property. The property is worth P29,069,700, which will be charged to the lump sum account for 2014.

The acquisition of the property will benefit the 150 families subject of an ejectment case in Barangay Apas.

The beneficiaries are members of the St. Michael the Archangel Residents Association, Inc. occupying the property claimed by Richard Unchuan. The beneficiaries have been notified that their houses are subject of the demolition since December 2014.

The Regional Trial Court has given the affected residents until November 3 to voluntary demolish their houses otherwise the court will be forced to enforce the demolition order.

The affected families sought the help of the city government through the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor. According to the residents, they are willing to vacate the property claimed by Unchuan provided that a relocation site is given to them.

“Kun ang relocation site ready for residency, kami voluntary moguba sa among balay ug kami mobalhin didto hapsay ug husay,” said Rosalinda Leogan, president of the homeowners association.

Leogan said the claimant has agreed to give them until March next year to vacate the area provided that they will sign an undertaking.

 “Sugot sila nga taman March 2016 pero kinahanglan wala nay extension kay basin kuno ini’g abot 2016 ma-extend na sad. Kinahanglan naay undertaking nga mahuman ug dili ang relocation site, kina-hanglan mi mo-vacate sa area,” Leogan added.

Leogan said she already informed lawyer Collin Rosell, DWUP chief, about it. Rosell reportedly agreed to the settlement but they can only proceed with the development of the relocation site if the City Council approved the lot acquisition.

“Hangyo mi (residents) nga tabangan mi ninyo (city councilors) aron dili pud mi ma-displace ini’g abot sa March 2016 unya wala pa mahuman ang site development,” Leogan told the members of the City Council yesterday.

City Councilor Margarita Osmeña committed to endorse any requirements for the implementation of the site development project.

“Walay problema para ma-approve ang yuta sa Barangay Binaliw to give authorization sa mayor… we can assure you of that,” she told the group. — (FREEMAN)