Barangay Sta. Cruz families fear losing homes

SOME 72 families living in Barangay Sta. Cruz have asked Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for help so they will not lose their homes.

The families built houses on a lot owned by the family of Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young at Junquera Extension corner Pelaez St.

Lawyer Glen Villariza, counsel of the Junquera-Pelaez Residents Association (Jupra), said the court had ruled against his clients in an ejectment case filed by Young’s family.

He said it is only a matter of time for the court to issue a writ of execution and order the demolition of his clients’ houses.

Jupra members went to Rama’s office yesterday to ask him to intervene.

Jupra members said they want to buy the property, adding that the lot was declared a socialized housing site under City Ordinance 1868.

No way

Young said, though, that his mother and brothers will most likely disapprove.

“Knowing my mother, di siya mosugot nga paliton na diha. Daghan nabastos diha. Daghan heartaches. Namatay akong papa tungod ana (I don’t think my mother will allow it. That area has caused so much pain. My father died because of that),” he said.

He also doubts if the occupants can afford the price of the 935-square meter lot.

He said the lot is expensive and even if the families negotiate, they could still not afford it. Even then, we don’t need the money,” he added.

The vice mayor said the ordinance classifying the lot as socialized housing site was passed without the agreement of the lot owner.

The vice mayor’s parents reportedly bought the property from Eladio Diores in the 1990s. The lot is now under the names of the vice mayor and his brothers.

Young’s family plans to construct a commercial building on the lot.