Monday, September 29, 2008 Luz’s residents ask senator: Persuade Gwen to let us stay
BARANGAY Luz, Cebu City residents sought the help of Sen. Mar Roxas in convincing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to allow them to continue paying for the Cebu Province-owned lots they occupy.
Nelfa Ocubello, one of those in the more than 5,000 households affected by Ordinance 93-1, alleged that even those who have fully paid for their amortization were not issued land titles.
The ordinance allows occupants to buy the Province-owned lots in Luz on installment. However, Ocubello said, the provision has already lapsed and Garcia no longer wants to have the beneficiaries continue paying for them, as the Capitol has other plans for the property.
“Please help us convince the governor to allow us to continue paying so we can finally own the lots where we are staying,” Ocubello told Roxas during a forum at Pagtambayayong Foundation in Barangay Sambag I, Cebu City last Friday.
Loyalties
Roxas, who was told by an aide that the land dispute was the subject of a word war between Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, responded by saying he will study the matter before making any move.
Osmeña has already made public his support for Roxas in the 2010 presidential elections.
Roxas initially said he does not agree that partial payments made for the lots will be treated merely as rent.
“You have the right to what you have invested, but I also think that the Provincial Government also has the right over the land. I may know where we can be of help after I study it,” he said.
He said he sympathized with the Luz residents in their predicament since it is difficult to always have to worry about losing one’s home in a demolition.
“The feeling of fear and nervousness is there. What will happen to the money that they’ve invested to construct their houses? What kind of future will they have if they are forced to vacate the place where they have been living for several years already?” he said.
“There are hundreds of thousands of poor people who are experiencing the same situation. What shall we do? The problem is urgent and needs immediate solution.”
Roxas said it was the first time he had heard of the problem in Luz. He said, though, that while he can be the bridge in solving the problem, the Cebuanos “should decide what will be good for them.”
“People from outside must not decide (for the Cebuanos) on issues involving Cebu,” Roxas said. (EOB)
