Barangay council not helping Tejero informal settlers?

CEBU, Philippines - The barangay council of Tejero denies not doing anything on the plight of the 29 families facing eviction for occupying a province-owned lot.

Tejero barangay councilman Garry Lao issued a statement denying reports that the council has been silent and neutral on the issue faced by 29 families whose houses are set to be demolished by the provincial government this October.

Potenciano Adobas Jr., president of the Carcelinian Homeowners Association and his members, trooped to the office of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña last Tuesday asking for his help.

Adobas said they were informed in May that the Province will already “use the area for the national museum.”

The families are occupying the lot at the back of the old Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center facility which is now transformed into the Museo Sugbu.

Lao, in his statement, said that immediately upon learning about the planned eviction, he informed the council and called the residents three days after the barangay session to tell them about the plan of the Capitol.

Lao said the first meeting was in May.

The second meeting was last July 3 and that they were told to give their position paper.

The third meeting was just last July 31 but the residents did not submit their position paper.

He said that the provincial government was even willing to give them a relocation site.

“In fact they carried out a site visit in Kalunasan last June, so there is no truth that the barangay is not doing anything,” Lao said.

Osmeña advised the affected residents not to leave unless there is a court order.

He also assured them legal assistance. — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)