Bill converting land from timberland to alienable, disposable approved

Saturday, February 4, 2012

REP. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th district) yesterday said his bill converting real estate in Bantayan Island into alienable and disposable land has been passed by the House of Representatives.

However, it has yet to be calendared by the Senate because of the ongoing impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

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Salimbangon, one of the signatories for Corona’s impeachment, said he hopes the trial will be over soon so the Senate can go back to full legislation duty and approve his bill.

Once the lands in Bantayan Island are reclassified as alienable and disposable, these can be titled to private persons and the local government units (LGUs).

Tax declaration

At present, private land owners and even the municipal governments of Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Madridejos only possess tax declarations for their real estate, which are not a proof of ownership but only for tax purposes.

As a result, LGUs and private persons or entities cannot convince developers to invest in the island.

“If the lands in Bantayan Island will be reclassified and can be titled in the names of the municipalities of Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Madridejos and the private individuals or firms, they can mortgage these to banks or sell these to developers or investors,” the congressman said.

He said nobody wants to buy properties in the three towns because the entire island is classified as timberland, owned by the National Government and managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Political plan

The three towns have a combined population of 150,000 people, who should be given the chance to own lands for housing, business and livelihood, he said.

The conversion of Bantayan Island into disposable and alienable land is among the reasons Salimbangon declined the offer of former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña to run for Cebu governor in 2013.

“I thank Cebu leaders like Sonny Osmeña for including my name in their list. But I have already decided to seek reelection in 2013 to fulfill my commitment to my constituents. I have several activities to focus on, such as the conversion of some areas in the fourth district into an economic zone, the improvement of port facilities and the development of Bantayan Island,” Salimbangon said.