Monday, February 20, 2006
S. Cotabato, SPDA reach deal over disputed property
KORONADAL CITY -- The Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the defunct Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) agreed to restructure the coverage of a 1.7-hectare prime property in the city, ending a standing ownership dispute that spanned close to two decades.
The local government and the SPDA signed a compromise memorandum of agreement that practically allowed the local government to finally own a significant portion of lot 991 that was being claimed by both parties.
The disputed lot, which is located beside the South Cotabato provincial capitol, is part of a property owned by the SPDA.
South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes and Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, who had been designated as overseer of the properties, signed the agreement.
"This is a win-win solution for both parties. The SPDA will retain its property and the local government will have its own share too," Leyretana said after formally signing the agreement.
He said they endorsed the settlement to "put everything in order and resolve (the dispute) amicably."
Leyretana said the Provincial Government and the SPDA would now work for the titling of the property, which was originally classified as a public land.
Lawyer Romeo Sucaldito, provincial legal officer, said the original property, which covers at least four hectares, was originally assigned to the Bureau of Agricultural Extension.
He said the agricultural bureau, then a national office, allowed portions of the property to be used by the SPDA and other national and regional offices, including the Board of Liquidators.
When the bureau was devolved to the local government, former Governor Ismael Sueno negotiated for the retrieval of the property, which then included several offices, he said.
Sucaldito said the SPDA opposed such move and elevated the matter to the Board of Liquidators, which ruled in its favor.
The decision prompted the Provincial Government to pursue an amicable settlement with the SPDA. (Allen V. Estabillo)
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(February 20, 2006 issue)
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