Robredo assures resolution of 93-1

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia have agreed to settle the 93-1 issue before the governor ends her term in 2013.

Robredo who was at Capitol yesterday assured that DILG will finalize the valuation of the property covered by Provincial Ordinance 93-1 and raise the money for government to buy the property.

“Certainly we would like it be done by the end of her term,” Robredo told reporters adding that “the valuation be negotiated and it is a matter of meeting half way.”

In a letter to Robredo, the provincial government earlier manifested that it is open to at a “fair price” deal in the acquisition of the controversial 93-1 lots.

The province is looking at three suggestions: Php8,000 per square meter zonal value set by the Bureau of Internal Revenue; P2,500 per square meter assessed by the Provincial Assessor; and P300 per square meter set by Provincial Ordinance 93-1 for the informal settlers to pay the province.

Garcia said Robredo has yet to read the letter she sent him last month, but she already briefed the secretary personally yesterday.

Capitol consultant and spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda clarified that while they welcome a “fair price,” the province would prefer to get payment for the lots “in bulk” rather than collect individually from the settlers like before. To make this possible, Sepulveda said the national government or the homeowners association to which the illegal settlers belong can pay for the lots collectively.  (FREEMAN)