Talisay SP oks village's request for expropriation

CEBU, Philippines - The committee on laws of the Talisay City council has recommended the approval of the request of barangay Tanke council to expropriate a 1,000-square meter lot.

City Councilor Richard Francis Aznar, who is the chairman of the committee on laws, sees nothing wrong to expropriate the property because the barangay needs a bigger space for its socio-cultural activities and sports development activities.

“The committee on laws highly recommends to have an expropriation proceeding and be very careful in negotiating it,” the report read.

It was also signed by councilors Romeo Villarante, vice-chairman of the committee, and members Edward Alesna, Dennis Basillote, and Charles Basillote.

In the barangay resolution, officials of the barangay sought the assistance from the city council for the expropriation of the property owned by the Cebu Heart Venture Realty.

The covered court of barangay Tanke occupies a very small land area.

The barangay, which already has a population of 14,460, thinks it needs a bigger, spacious covered court as venue for socio cultural activities and sports development activities.

Aznar cited Act. 32 of the Rule VI on the Eminent Domain that an LGU may, through its chief executive, exercise the power of eminent domain for public use, purpose, or welfare of the poor and the landless, upon payment of just compensation, pursuant to the provisions of the constitution and pertinent laws.

“The power of eminent domain may not be exercised unless a valid and definite offer has been previously made to the owner, and such offer was not accepted,” he said.

The expropriation proceeding may push through if the LGU fails to acquire a private property for public use, purpose, or welfare through purchase.