Crown Asia pushes expansion plans

BELONGING to the largest real estate conglomerate in the country, Crown Asia continues to expand all over the country, undeterred by the latest controversy hurled against it.

Lawyer Nalen Rosero-Galang, chief legal officer, said that the issue of land grabbing hurled against the real estate company is just another form of political harassment against Crown Asia owner -- presidential aspirant Manny Villar.

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Based on reports gathered by Sun.Star Davao, a parcel of land in San Pedro, Laguna has been alleged to have been "grabbed" by the real estate giant.

"Crown Asia acquired the subject property in good faith and for value from Mr. Jose Nunez, its registered owner under Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-435217," Rosero-Galang said, adding that nobody was dispossessed in the process of its acquisition.

The chief legal counsel added that Crown Asia has yet to occupy the property and the alleged "claimants" are still in possession of the said parcel of land.

"These claimants have no title whatsoever and base their claim solely on the fact that the property is under order of sequestration from the PCGG," Rosero-Galang said.

However, in its letter dated 14 October 2002, PCGG categorically stated that "PCGG has not authorized anyone to occupy any of these lots."

"With the way things are it may not be long before Senator Villar is accused of land-grabbing in the moon," Rosero-Galang said.