THE Cebu Provincial Government is planning to take back the 679-square-meter property along Gorordo Avenue that was donated by the previous administration in August 2018 to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the donation was “defective.” She said that the Commission on Audit (COA) submitted an observation that the donation did not have its approval.

“This deed of donation needs to be revoked and enter into a deed of usufruct with CIDG for another piece of property that the CIDG and Cebu Provincial Government decide upon in the designated government center,” said Garcia.

She said that the property along Gorordo Avenue, which has a commercial value of P88.3 million or P130,000 per square meter, should never have been donated.

“In fact, it can even be grounds for complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman on the grounds that it is grossly disadvantageous to the Province of Cebu. Why should that property be given when we still have available lots in the designated government center?” said Garcia.

Usufruct

Garcia referred to a provincial lot in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug in Cebu City. The “government center” also shelters the offices of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Crime Laboratory, and Cebu Provincial Women and Children Development Center, among others.

She offered to transfer CIDG 7 there through a usufruct agreement.

According to Philippine laws, usufruct gives a right to enjoy the property of another with the obligation of preserving its form and substance.

According to a Sugbo News report, the governor met with CIDG 7 Director Edwin Dayag on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, to inform him of her intention to revoke the deed of donation for lack of proper documentation.

Dayag said he had no problem if the Cebu Provincial Government transfers their office. He said that he was grateful to the Capitol for providing space for the CIDG 7 office. (NRC)