HLURB wants panel to look into 93-1 beneficiaries' woes

CEBU, Philippines – The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board in Central Visayas has recommended the creation of a committee to determine the remaining balance of the urban poor beneficiaries occupying the province-owned lots under the Ordinance 93-1.

HLURB regional director Alixes Roy Lopez recommended that a committee composed of the Office of the Vice President, Province of Cebu, Cebu City, Social Housing Finance Corporation and all the presidents of the 41 homeowners associations in the 93-1 lots should be organized to look into the unsettled balance.

The recommendation was submitted by Lopez to Vice President Jejomar Binay, who chairs the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña earlier requested Binay to investigate and take appropriate action into the problem.

The record shows that 93-1 beneficiaries have remaining balance of P321, 578, 400.42.

The record also shows that out of the 4,161 families occupying the total of 465,295.01-square meter lots in Barangays Apas, Luz, Busay, Mabolo, Lorega, Camputhaw, Lahug, Capitol Site and Kalunasan 1,215 have not paid any payment.

The 1, 215 families made no payment to the provincial government despite the extension given to them.

The occupants were given three grace periods to settle their accounts as approved by then Gov. Vicente dela Serna. They were first granted extension in January 1994 to 1999. However, they again failed to settle their obligation prompted the provincial government to give them another extension until 2004.

After 2004, majority of the occupants appealed for another extension to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. The governor, however, turned down the appeal after the 1,410 families who have fully paid objected to it claiming that granting another extension would be unfair to them.

A total of 270 deeds of sale and 643 titles were issued by the province to those who have fully satisfied the required payments.

According to Lopez, the occupants who have not settled their obligations can avail of the community mortgage program (CMP) under the social housing finance corporation (SHFC) that would settle the balance of P321 million.

Lopez said the amount includes the four lots presently occupied by bonafide members of the 41 homeowners associations.

"So, the entire remaining balance should be covered by CMP since they are on-site projects, which belong to the priority projects to be funded by the SHFC," Lopez said.

Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon said they are preparing for their positions when the provincial government is ready for the renegotiations. The city and the province are working to revive the proposed land-swapping deal.

Garcia however has set conditions before going to the negotiation table. The Governor demanded from the city to remove the "taunt signages" at the South Road Properties. (FREEMAN)