Mandaue looks into squatting in Looc

CEBU, Philippines – Stalls that have been standing on a government-owned lot at J.M. Ceniza Extension, barangay Looc, Mandaue City for more than twenty years now, and which are being used as places of work allegedly by insurance firms and drug testing clinics, have been found to be causing flooding in the area during heavy rains.

But that's not all. These businesses operate without building and electrical permits, and rental fees are collected not by the government but allegedly by a private individual. It is estimated that the collection could run to millions of pesos.

Documents obtained by The FREEMAN show that the occupants of the government property, which is identified as Lot 3-A-2, include Progressive Health DTC, Bernie Angana, Cesar Escario, Dr. Uldarico Padron, Valentin Suico, and Charlen Leopardads.

A letter signed by Acting Mandaue City Engineer Gregorio J. Omo addressed to Dr. Danilo Dionson at 457 J.M. Ceniza Street, barangay Looc, a copy of which was furnished The FREEMAN, disclosed that the City Engineer's Office will now endorse the list to the City Legal Office for appropriate action. Dionson has complained about the flooding in his place.

Omo's letter was also signed by Office of Building Official personnel, namely, Jacinto Engracia, Jr., Line and Grade Inspector, Engr. Glenilo Castaneda, head of the Electrical Processing Section, and Architect Mario Ocleasa.

They have certified that they have not approved any building and electrical permit for the government Lot 3-A-2 with title No. 37323.

An inspection made by Engr. Castaneda and Engracia proved that the tenants who were interviewed failed to present building permits.

Castaneda and Engracia also discovered that the tenants have been squatting on the property for about 20 years.

Castaneda and Engracia said the application forms submitted by one Cherelyn Alcante dated July 2009, show that the documents which include Certificate Occupancy, Tax Clearance, and Tax Declaration were incorrect and contained inaccurate data.

Castaneda and Engracia have recommended that the approved electrical permit for one Alcante be revoked.

The Council of Elders headed by Engr. Zoilo Cortes endorsed the problem to the City Legal Office.

The City Legal Office has issued an order to the tenants ordering them to voluntarily demolish their structures.

Dionson in a separate interview with The FREEMAN said he raised the issue with the City Engineering Office last year yet.

He also took the same problem to the City Legal Department.

According to Dionson, the presence of the illegal structures is the number one cause of flooding in the area.

Dionson said the big question that needs to be investigated is the collection of rentals by a private individual. (THE FREEMAN)