City faces another "Rallos" case

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government might face a yet another Rallos case.

A City Hall official who requested anonymity disclosed that there is a private lot owner who communicated with the city early this year demanding just compensation for the portion of the lot that is occupied by a city road in barangay Banilad.

The subject lot has reportedly been reconveyed  in favor of the heirs of the original owners in a Supreme Court resolution dated February 2011.

After winning the case for the reconveyance of the lot against the Republic of the Philippines and Mactan Cebu International Airport, the owner surveyed the property and found that a potion is occupied by what is known now as J. Panis Street.

The affected portion reportedly covers 745 square meters valued at around P33.5 million at P45,000 per square meter.

The private owners have sent two letters, so far, to Mayor Michael Rama.

They are also offering a usufruct agreement with the city but warned that if the city will not act on their points raised, they will be constrained to resort to legal action for the payment of just compensation on their property.

The city government is yet to study the history of the case.

A city hall official said it is possible that the lot was originally donated or developed by the owner as a road lot so there is no reason for the city to pay.

The city government is fighting until now the heir of Fr. Vicente Rallos over the lot in Sambag II that was used as a road lot. The heirs of Rallos want the city to pay them since the city is using the lot a road. The Rallos’ claim has reached over P133 million over the years that the case was dragged in court.

The city government has already lost in the Supreme Court but has not stopped fighting over it, stating that the Rallosses must not be paid because the lot was donated to the city.

Mayor Michael Rama, even during his time as councilor, is strongly against the payment to the Ralloses and promised to fight it until the end.

Amidst Rama’s unwavering efforts to protect public funds, the city government has started to see a light at the end of the tunnel when for the first time, the court has ruled in favor of them.

The Court of Appeals has issued a temporary restraining order, valid for 60 days, on the release of the P133 million payment to the Ralloses. — (FREEMAN)