Luz settlers seek court intervention

CEBU, Philippines - Families affected by the pending demolition in three sitios of Barangay Luz are asking the court to defer the demolition pending deliberation as to the purchase of lots.

In a letter sent to the court, the affected families asked Sheriff Joseph Olmedo to defer the implementation of the writ of demolition.

The 29 affected families said that on the first week of June, the Cebu City Local Housing Board submitted a resolution asking the Cebu City Council to allow Mayor Michael Rama to negotiate with the Homeowner’s Association for the purchase of lots.

They said if the City Government will be able to purchase the lot they will pay the government on an installment basis.

The affected families said the resolution submitted before the City Council was scheduled by Vice-Mayor Joy Augustus Young for session on August 8, 2012.

They added the City Council will be tackling the “expropriation” of the lots they are occupying.

The affected families were from Sitios Mabuhay, Nangka and Lubi.

They earlier filed a civil case for injunction and preliminary mandatory injunction against their homeowners association seeking the partial annulment of the contracts and certificates of title.  (FREEMAN)