Monday, April 14, 2008 Capitol still reviewing papers of sold properties under 93-1
CAPITOL officials say the delay in the release of the deeds of sale for the properties covered by Ordinance 93-1 was due for evaluation by Capitol’s reviewing committee.
Lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda, Capitol consultant on information and revenue generation, said many homeowners violated the agreement contained in the ordinance, which prompted the Province to take a look at the matter.
Sepulveda said majority of occupants of the Capitol-owned lots who threatened to file cases did not follow the provision that says the properties must be used for residential purposes only.
Sepulveda was reacting to the threat of the homeowners to file complaints against Capitol and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for failure to release the deeds of sale for the properties they have already paid for.
Several officers of the homeowners association went to the office of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena and discussed possible legal remedies against the Province.
Complaint
The homeowners agreed to file complaint either before the anti-graft office or the Housing and Land Use Regularity Board (HLURB) that has the quasi-judicial powers over land issues.
Osmeña supported the homeowners plan to seek legal remedy, saying Garcia will earn the award of having the most number of cases filed against her in the Ombudsman.
But Sepulveda said, “Come on Tom, sue us… Make our day, sue us anywhere and then we will defend ourselves.”
Sepulveda showed reporters a document showing that of the 4,358 homeowners covered by Ordinance 93-1, only 1,440 lot occupants fully paid their obligation.
He said the committees reviewing the lot occupants did a thorough evaluation of the status of each lot owner, including those whose lots were forfeited for nonpayment of dues.
In Barangay Luz, Cebu City alone, of the 1,205 lots sold, only 449 homeowners fully paid, while 756 residents’ lots were forfeited.
Sepulveda said Capitol did not evict homeowners who failed to settle their obligation while the review committee was still evaluating their cases.
Sepulveda also criticized Luz Barangay Captain Nilda Cabrera for demanding from the Capitol to release the deeds of sale.
He asked if families whose lots were forfeited are also ready to start packing up.
He said Capitol’s review committee was trying to resolve the case of those who failed to settle their obligation and those who violated provisions of the ordinance.
No worries
Sepulveda told Osmeña not to worry too much about the issue since Capitol is taking care of it. He said the mayor should instead focus on other vital issues hounding the city.
Of the 1,500 residents who threatened to file a case against Capitol, many have violated provisions of the ordinance.
Sepulveda said Capitol’s review committee is done with the evaluation, and that they are about to present it to the lot occupants.
“What’s with Lot 93-1 that the mayor is so noisy about it?” asked Sepulveda.
The Provincial Government did not even think of evicting lot occupants who failed to settle their obligation, he said.
Sepulveda also challenged homeowners who went to the mayor’s office and signified their interest to file complaints. (GMD)
