Tomas asks constituents to help him defend SRP

CEBU - Now under treatment for cancer of the urinary tract in the United States, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña called on Cebuanos to help him defend the prime project of the city – the South Road Properties — from those who are interested to make a claim of it.

Osmeña made this statement in reaction to a statement of Cebu 1st District Representative Eduardo Gullas vowing to take legal action if the Cebu City government disposes the 53 hectares of the South Road Properties contested by Talisay City.

“Please tell the people of Cebu City that I am sick and cannot defend the SRP much as I would like to. I need the help of my constituents against this land grabber. I did this project for you and not for myself. Please stand up and help me defend what is rightfully yours,” Osmeña said.

Gullas was reported to be grateful that Cebu City did not include the contested lots in the deal after Filinvest Land Incorporated expressed interest in including such in the proposed joint venture.

As to the lots inclusion in the titles issued under Cebu City’s name, Gullas said it is not a problem since Talisay City still has 10 years to file its adverse claim after the issuance of a patent by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Many extortionists operate that way: sue, harass and look for a settlement. He waited years for this moment and we are ready for it. First, he endorsed this project in the Regional Development Council and second, granting in the remotest chance that it is inside Talisay City, Cebu City spent for it, and therefore owns it just like the Capitol is owned by the Province,” Osmeña alluded to Gullas in a text message.

Gullas said the other day that the fact that Cebu City did not include the disputed area in the deal with Filinvest Land is an “admission” that Talisay City owns the property.

“I am elated and would like to thank Cebu City for the gesture of not including the lots and area claimed by Talisay City in the sale. This is clear evidence that Cebu City therefore recognizes the right of Talisay City,” Gullas said the other day.

The FREEMAN tried to contact the congressman last night, but could not reach his mobile phone.

Acting Mayor Hilario Davide III said that FLI has no more doubts as far as ownership of the SRP is concerned.

“Filinvest has no doubt that the city has title to it,” Davide in a press conference yesterday said.

FLI plans to build high-rise buildings and condominiums at the SRP. It has an offer for the outright purchase of ten hectares worth P2 billion. The company is also proposing a joint venture project for a 50-hectare area.

The negotiation, as to the terms and conditions of the joint venture is still up for study by a committee.

FLI is optimistic to close the deal by January.

Davide also doubts that the recent revival of the claim of the Talisay City government over the 50-hectare at the SRP would affect future investors.

He said that it took three years for the city to have the 210-hectare property titled and the Presidential Decree would show that the land is owned by Cebu City.

According to the acting Mayor, it is better for the Talisay government to question the Presidential Decree.

Of the 295-hectare SRP, only 210 hectares have been titled under the name of the Cebu City government and although the 60-hectare Pond A is covered by the Presidential Proclamation, it has no title yet because it is still yet to be filled up as it is still underwater.

The 12-kilometer, four-lane highway, Cebu Coastal Road, which is approximately 21 hectares, is owned by the national government and cannot be titled under the name of the Cebu City government. — Ferliza C. Contratista and Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)