The Cebu City government has no plans of running after the couple accused of selling the “rights” to lots at the Sugbo Homes in barangay Lahug.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday said the members of Veterans’ Drive Homeowners’ Association should face the consequence because they reportedly knew in the first place that the couple- despite being registered beneficiaries of the Sugbo Homes project- is not the owner of the lots they allegedly sold.
“Kadtong mga nagtukod og balay diha nakahibalo g’yod nga illegal ang ilang pagpuyo. Ila nang problema nganong mibayad sila nga dili man tag-iya sa yuta ang ilang gibayaran,” Osmeña said.
Besides, the city’s intention is but to clear Sugbo Homes of illegal structures because it is supposed to be a housing site for City Hall employees, Osmeña added.
To date, however, the beneficiaries still have not erected their houses there in the absence of a road right of way and basic necessities such as water and electricity.
The Freeman is withholding the names of the couple pending investigation of the complaint by the city attorney’s office. Urban poor consultant Charmae Pyl Nercua, nevertheless, confirmed the couple is a registered beneficiary of the Sugbo Homes project.
At least 10 members of the Veterans’ Drive Homeowners’ Association Inc. had alleged the couple asked them to pay certain amounts of money for the right to build a house inside the Sugbo Homes.
The Local Housing Board already sent eviction notices to the illegal occupants for them to voluntarily leave Sugbo Homes, thus Osmeña said there is no need to secure a court order to demolish the structures.
Osmeña also said the city is not obliged to provide a relocation site to those subject of the eviction because they reportedly are not registered residents of Cebu City.– Rene U. Borromeo/JMO