GOV. Gwendolyn Garcia summoned another batch of real property owners whose establishments allegedly encroach on province-owned lots along Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City.
The Cebu Provincial Government owns the road lots, including the sidewalks, from the Capitol to the Fuente Osmeña Circle.
The Capitol’s Real Estate Division has identified 22 establishments that went beyond the allocated property line based on the Civil Code of 1949.
These include the Cebu Doctors’ Hospital, Cebu Gospel Church, Suarez and Sons, Avon, Coco Mall and Anita’s Bakeshop, among others.
Garcia explained during their meeting on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, that the Capitol has the legal right to request just compensation for the encroached land area based on the Consumer Price Index.
One of the real property owners asked the governor to reconsider, pointing out that the issue has only been brought up while his building has been there for more than 50 years.
But Garcia said the Cebuanos own those properties and that she is just a custodian.
According to her, she may be charged with dereliction of duty if she neglects her obligations.
The governor gave the building owners enough time to reevaluate the validity of the Capitol’s claim.
At the same time, property owners have the option to rent the lots they encroach on or demolish their structures. (PAC, TPT)