Court grants TRO vs city, Arao family
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
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THE temporary restraining order sought by sugarcane planter Deogracias dela Paz against Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and the Arao family has been granted.
Regional Trial Court Branch 53 Judge Pepito Gellada issued the order Friday last week to temporarily restrain the city from proceeding with the clearing of the sugarcane crops at the city’s relocation site at Vista Alegre, Bacolod City.
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Leonardia said City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan immediately appealed upon receiving the order because government project cannot be subjected to a temporary restraining order.
“We will follow what the court says but I hope the judge will reconsider our appeal,” the mayor said.
Dela Paz filed for a motion for the issuance of the TRO after the city started clearing his sugarcane crops at the proposed relocation site last August 31, 2010.
The City Legal Composite Team has initiated the clearing operation so the city can proceed with the development of the first 15-hectare of the 58-hectare property bought from the Arao family.
The initial 15-hectare phase of the relocation project is intended to benefit informal settlers in the city, who are facing eviction orders from the courts or living in “life-threatening” areas. (Carla N. Cañet)
