Thursday, November 23, 2006 Eviction postponed by guv
CITING humanitarian reasons, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia assured illegal settlers of Capitol lots in Cebu City that they will not be moved until Christmas is over.
“We have to consider the fact that Christmas is fast approaching. Even if these people have not met or answered their responsibilities, we are looking at the humanitarian aspect of the situation,” she told reporters yesterday.
The Cebu Provincial Government had issued notices for the occupants to vacate the properties. They were beneficiaries of the Capitol lot distribution through Ordinance 93-1, but they failed to pay the Province despite the “ridiculously low, giveaway prices” and the several extensions of the deadline given to them.
It is not only Barangay Lahug, Cebu City that is having the problem, as several other occupants in other barangays, like Luz and Apas, have received similar notices.
Lives
Lahug Barangay Captain Mary Ann delos Santos is appealing that “for humanitarian consideration,” the Cebu Province should allow the residents to purchase the lots they are occupying.
But Garcia has since denied this request, saying she will be accused of failing to do her responsibility of protecting the Province’s rights and properties if she will give in to the request.
Besides, she asked why other people in the list of beneficiaries were able to pay their dues when they have similar social and economic standing with the rest.
The Capitol is embarking on recovering its properties so these can be developed into income-generating assets.
But delos Santos said the Cebu Province should reconsider because the issue involves not just a mere property but the lives of people, most of whom failed to pay on time because of dire straits.
“Right now, we must focus our energy on making sure that Cebu will make the Philippines proud as a venue for the Asean summit. I assure them, we will not move them until next year,” said Garcia. (JPM)
