"The land title is already in the possession of the City Government of Bacolod. You cannot collaterally attack it, and there are no cases filed against the city questioning the land title."
This statement was made by City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu on Monday, February 3, in response to social media posts claiming that the land title of the city's purchased property in Barangay Granada had allegedly been canceled.
Bacolod City previously acquired 74 hectares in Barangay Granada as part of its land banking initiative, funded by a P4.4 billion loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez explained that a thorough process of validation was undertaken, with the ownership title reviewed back to two previous owners.
“We checked how the current owner acquired the property. It has passed all necessary departmental and agency requirements and has received all the clearances,” he said.
The mayor added that the city plans to use the 74-hectare property for the construction of an animal shelter, a public cemetery, and the offices of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Bacolod and the Department of Agriculture.
Additionally, Benitez noted that a proposal had been received from a private firm to establish a solar farm in Barangay Granada.
With the election season underway, Benitez also pointed out that some individuals are using fake social media accounts to spread false information.
"I challenge the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Negros Press Club (NPC) to develop a self-regulating system to trace fake accounts or fake news," he said.
Benitez emphasized his desire to change the election culture in Bacolod City. Instead of focusing on tearing down opponents, he urged candidates to present their platforms and what they can do for the city's betterment.
“It’s a more effective campaign than destroying our opponents. I have always advocated for a proper campaign based on presenting your platform,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of educating voters to make informed decisions. (MAP)