Lot owners agree to sell properties to Capitol

CAPITOL sees a “ray of hope” in resolving the stalled Tayud-Consolacion-Liloan road widening project after some of the owners of the affected lots and structures said they are willing to sell their properties to the Province.

Of the 26 property owners, 10 are completing the expropriation process, with one already paid, Acting Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora told Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 Director Ador Canlas.

Jamora told Canlas they will see if they can enter the properties even if expropriation procedures are not still finished.

Canlas said that once DPWH is given the permit to enter the properties, they can start
working on the site.

Canlas earlier complained to Acting Gov. Agnes Magpale that the delay in acquiring the lots since 2009 has pulled down his performance rating.

Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) head Adolfo Quiroga earlier said the delay was caused by the refusal of some owners to sell their properties unless they are paid on the spot.

But under accounting rules, which require a signed deed of sale before the release of funds, this is not possible.

Jamora is confident that once other property owners see their neighbors being paid, they will let go of their properties as well.

Jamora gave a status report to DPWH upon the request of Magpale during the Metro Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB) last March 7.

“We are happy. At least there is movement,” said Magpale.

Affected lots

There are 278 lots affected by the road-widening project. Of these, 158 lots are in Liloan and the rest are in Consolacion.

Acquisition of the lots and structures is Capitol and DPWH’s primary objective before they can widen the road after the Cansaga Bay Bridge going to Liloan Church.

Capitol needs to pay the property owners so it can liquidate the P50 million DPWH initially gave to the Province.

“This is still 2009 funds, and we are trying to save the P100 million funds,” said Canlas.

The funds will be returned to the national treasury if they remain unused.

DPWH requires Capitol to liquidate the initial amount so it can start working on the release of the remaining P100 million.