CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government has formalized its claim over two contested parcels of land in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas in Cebu City.
The Capitol, represented by Governor Hilario Davide III, asked the Regional Trial Court to declare null and void the two Transfer Certificate of Title covering lots number 942 and 947.
The provincial government contended that it is the “real and bonafide” owner of the two lots under Patents Number 39097 and 39116 then issued by the Bureau of Lands.
“Defendant Province never conveyed by way of sale, donation or exchange unto said Aletha Suico-Magat or her predecessors-in-interest. As such, the alleged TCT No. 107-2012000079 covering lots 942 and TCT No. 107-2012000080 covering lot 947 in the name of private defendants should be declared null and void for having been obtained through fraud,” the Capitol said.
The Capitol asked the court to re-convey the said properties back to the provincial government.
The Capitol was named among the defendants in a civil case for declaration of nullity of title filed by the residents occupying the controversial lots against Magat and her siblings, who claimed ownership of the property.
Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman has been appealing to the Capitol to be involved in the case and claim the property.
“We will be passing a resolution thanking the Governor for his answer. It’s still better since the billions of pesos in income from developing the lots will go to the province and its people and not just to private individuals,” Ayuman told reporters yesterday.
He said the two lots, which is located at the back of the Cebu IT Park, have big potential to be developed. Ayuman added that even if the Capitol won’t give the lots to the residents yet, it would be easier for them to try and convince the Capitol officials than Magat who has already started demolishing houses there.
“Okay ra namo mabalik ang yuta sa Province nungka ni Magat,” he said.
Magat earlier secured a writ of demolition against the occupants of the two lots. Magat is the heir of Anunciacion, Maria, Leticia, and Cielo Ouano, who reportedly owned the said lots.
The private claimants were able to secure a deed of re-conveyance from the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority after it was ordered by the Supreme Court. The lots were supposed to be part of the Lahug Airport which was transferred to Lapu-Lapu. (FREEMAN)