Capitol lot occupants sue Governor Garcia

The occupants of the province-owned lot at the back of the Cebu South Bus Terminal have filed criminal charges against Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and three other Capitol officials for alleged illegal demolition.

South Bus Terminal Homeowners Association officials led by their president, Ernesto Aborque, have accused provincial officials and policemen who assisted the demolition team of grave coercion, violation of presidential Executive Order 152 and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Aside from Garcia, also named respondents were provincial treasurer Roy Salubre, real estate section chief Paulino Entera, capitol consultant on security Byron Garcia, three civil security unit personnel and 14 hired security guards.

Chief inspector Elmer Lim and several unidentified policemen were also included in the charges.

The association members claimed that the respondents forced them to vacate their houses around 10:00 in the morning of May 8 allegedly with threats, intimidation and violence.

Aborque said the respondents used a pay loader and a backhoe to destroy their houses allegedly without a court order and authority from the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor.

Aborque claimed that the use of "force and violence" during the demolition had injured one of his members, Conchita Gloria.

But he admitted in his affidavit that the court has already ruled against them on March 30 in an eviction case filed by the provincial government. The court then ordered the occupants to vacate the lot.

Aborque, however, said the order is not yet final because they have filed an appeal.

He said that despite a pending appeal, the respondents carried out the demolition. - Fred P. Languido