CPVDC maintains claim on city road

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation does not want to comment on the recent approval of the Cebu City Council declaring W. Geonzon Street in Barangay Apas a public road.

Lawyer Jeanette Japzon, corporate manager of Cebu Holdings Inc., said CPDVC does not want to provoke any conflict with the city council’s decision.

 However, she said they have the land title proving that the property is privately-owned by CPDVC.

 “We are discussing with the parties involved. Yes, we have the title of the property. Di lang mi ganahan og gubot,” she said.

Japzon explained that the road has always been open for Barangay Apas and the rest of the public to access through Salinas Drive. 

Prior the council’s declaration that the road is a public property, Filinvest Land Inc., which is constructing a multi-billion commercial complex in the area, asked for help from the city and provincial government after their heavy equipment were not allowed by the management of IT Park to pass through.

The IT Park is under the Ayala Group. 

 During last Wednesday’s regular session, only Councilors Mary Ann Delos Santos and Nestor Archival Sr. opposed the move declaring W. Geonzon Street as a public road while councilors Noel Wenceslao, James Anthony Cuenco, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Richard Osmeña, Gerardo Carillo, Sisinio Andales, Alvin Dizon, Dave Tumulak, Alvin Arcilla, Margarita Osmeña, Nendell Hanz Abella and Associaition of Barangay Councils President Phillip Zafra approved.

 “I object because it is beyond the authority of the council to declare a private property to a public property,” Archival said.

 Based on the findings of the city’s Local Board of Assessment Appeals on June 1, 2007, W. Geonzon St. is exempted from real property taxes.

 The exemption was according to the recommendation of the City Assessor’s Office because the road is directly being used by the general public. (FREEMAN)