Luz presents ex-secretary in boundary row hearing

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Luz presented its former secretary Florentino Moncada Sr. as witness to its boundary conflict over barangay Lahug during a hearing yesterday at the Cebu City Council.

However, when cross examined by Lahug counsel Cecilia Adlawan, Moncada, 68, admitted he could not recall whether there was documentary evidence that sitio Wakwak exists and was part of barangay Luz.

 “I could not remember there was a document,” said Moncada when asked if there was still a document that could prove the area across Luz Barangay Hall belonged to the barangay during his term as barangay secretary from 1970 to 1982.

Moncada admitted that he thought that the area across barangay Luz, where Grand Convention Center and other establishments stand, were still a part of barangay Luz.

“I just thought that that area is part of our barangay since we are servicing that area, we also used that area for our benefit dance,” he said.

Barangay Luz counsel Manolito Seno presented Moncada in the absence of Luz barangay captain Nida Cabrera, whose cross-examination would have been continued.

Seno explained that Cabrera was till on the way to Cebu from Manila after an official business there. This prompted Councilor Edgardo Labella to remind both counsels not to let their witnesses absent during the hearing.

During yesterday’s hearing, only four councilors – Labella, Leah Ouano-Japzon, Roberto Cabarubias and Gerardo Carillo - were present. The hearing will continue next Friday.

Earlier this year, the Office of City Planning and Development conducted a survey of establishments located along Archbishop Reyes.

According to the survey, these establishments were being served by barangay Luz.

The OCPD recommended that the boundary between the two barangays be changed so that Luz would gain official jurisdiction over these establishments.

But Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann de los Santos claimed she was not informed about the survey. Even the affected establishments were not aware of it either. – Ferliza C. Contratista/LPM (THE FREEMAN)