Lot owner’s heirs reject Soc’s offer

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government is determined to use a portion of the 60-square meter lot owned by a private individual as a right of way for a drainage project in a bid to address the flooding problem in sitio Palanggana, barangay San Roque. 

Mayor Socrates Fernandez has agreed to acquire the property owned by a certain Sotero Abapo.

Councilor and majority floor Leader Rodolfo “Rodi” Cabigas said the mayor has made an offer to buy the land from the owners at P2,000 per square meter as fixed by the city appraisal committee. 

But the Abapo heirs have rejected the mayor’s offer. 

Since there is a failure of negotiation between the city and the Abapo heirs, Cabigas said the city decided to have the property expropriated pursuant to Section 19 of Republic Act 7160.   

Cabigas said the city will immediately take possession of the property upon the filing of the petition for expropriation. 

But in Tuesday’s regular session, opposition Councilor Romeo Villarante wants the matter deferred at first reading. 

According to Villarante, who is a lawyer by profession, the proceedings must be referred to the committee on laws for study and review and that the committee must render a recommendation before the city council approves the expropriation proceeding.

He also said the presentation of Cabigas lacked documents. 

The city government, in coordination with First Pacific Fortune Commercial Corporation, plans to construct a drainage system in sitio Palanggana. 

“It is to the best interest of the city, the residents of barangay San Roque and the general public that a portion of the property of Sotero Abapo be acquired by the city and used as drainage right of way,” Cabigas said.   (FREEMAN)