National government intervenes in Apas issue

CEBU, Philippines - The national government, through the Office of the Solicitor General, is now intervening in the impending demolition in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas, Cebu City, on Monday.

Assistant Solicitor General Magtanggol Castro filed an urgent motion before the Regional Trial Court Branch 9 of Cebu City asking the court to stay the implementation of Writ of Demolition for at least 30 days.

The 30-day period would start on Monday, May 7, until the day of demolition, June 6.

Whether or not the demolition will push through on Monday will be known today after a hearing regarding the urgent motion before the sala of Judge Soliver Peras.

Castro, in his urgent motion, said the request was made to give the Archangels Residents Mergence Inc. (ARMI) time to present their newly discovered evidence and prove their case.

ARMI claims that their new evidence proves the national government’s ownership of Lot 937 in Sitio San Miguel “raises very serious conjectures regarding the legality of Mariano Godinez’ Torrens Title.”

City councilor Alvin Dizon, also committee on housing chairman, said ARMI strove to reach the national government’s help through his office to strengthen their case against the demolition of the 168 houses in the site.

“Ang padulngan sa mayor kay mura’g nangita sila og relocation site. Ang atong gihingusgan karon mao nga magpabilin g’yud sila sa ilang gipuy-an ug dili sila mapahawa sa mga Godinez,” Dizon said.

Dizon and Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, along with ARMI officials and members, held a press conference in Young’s office yesterday.

Cebu City second district Rep. Tommy Osmeña, who arrive late for the press conference, said he believes that some businessmen who are interested in buying Godinez’ lot, are behind the case.

“I believe there is some devious hidden force behind it. We will soon know who they are,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña also said he will attend today’s hearing, which pleased ARMI members.

Young believes they have a strong case with the intervention of the OSG.

Residents of the threatened site are not willing to leave the said lot saying this has been classified as a socialized housing site since 1999 through a resolution passed by the Cebu City government to the Council.

ARMI President Ignacio Labro said they are happy with the intervention of OSG.

“Unta matagaan mi ug higayon na mapadayag ang among problema ngadto sa huwes,” Labro said.

In a separate press conference, Mayor Michael Rama did not show any surprise after learning of Osmeña’s statement.

“Unya na ug ma-abogado na siya, maminaw ko niya,” Rama said.

Rama also called on Osmeña to stop deceiving the people and present evidence instead of constantly accusing him.

“Ang utok nako naa sa serbisyo. Ambot lang ikaw,” Rama said, adding that as mayor it is his responsibility to help the residents in the contested lot. — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)