DPWH’S road widening project: MCWD, couple charged for refusing to vacate lot

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways-7 has filed a case before the court against a couple and the Metropolitan Cebu Water District for their alleged refusal to vacate their lot for a road widening project.

Thought acting solicitor general Florin Hilbay, the state represented by DPWH-7 director Ador Canlas filed the case against spouses Remegio and Monina Cordenillo and the MCWD.

“Considering defendants’ refusal to vacate or observe the necessary setback, plaintiff is, therefore, constrained to file this complaint for enforcement of lien in order for it to fully implement the intended project in the City of Cebu without unnecessary delay,” read the complaint.

 Hilbay said the DPWH is implementing a road widening along Governor Cuenco Avenue in Cebu City but cannot proceed because the owners of the lot refused to vacate.

 The government has notified the couple and the MCWD of its right-of-way as prescribed by law, but they allegedly failed to vacate the affected lot.

 “Plaintiff is entitled to a right-of-way over the 60-meter potions of the land covered by TCT No. 8546, which includes the area necessary for the road widening of Governor Cuenco Avenue,” the complaint read.

The complainant added that under Section 112 of Commonwealth Act 141 as amended by Presidential Decree 1361, the lot is subject to a right-of-way for public highways.

The couple and MCWD are set to file their reply. —/LPM (FREEMAN)