CEBU, Philippines - To solve the issue of traffic and market-goers’ congestion, the Carcar City Government proposed to construct a new commercial hub in the city.
In order for this to become a reality, the Carcar City government through lawyer Donato Villa Jr., filed a civil case for expropriation against the owners of the affected lots.
The Carcar City government said expropriating the lot was for the purpose of public use.
“The purpose of acquiring the lots was for the building and construction of Public Transport Terminal, Public Market, Farmer’s Trading Center and Livestock Auction Market, City Commercial Center, City Sports Center, City Motorpool and other public facilities and infrastructures for public use and purpose,” the complaint read.
The defendants of the case were Edgar Nuez, Spouses Restituto and Margaret Congso, heirs of Blas Alcordo, heirs of spouses Eugenio and Cirila Bacus, heirs of Spouses Eleuterio and Librada Jagopaas, heirs of Felix and Beatriz Jagopaas, heirs of Sulpicio Lapina, heirs of Gregorio Racho and Conrado Regis.
On Sept. 14, 2011, the city council passed and approved a resolution authorizing City Mayor Nicepuro Apura to negotiate for and to purchase the property with an area of not less than 20 hectares in Barangay Valladolid and Barangay Poblacion III.
There were 24 lot titles involved.
Apura said he already conducted several meetings and conferences with the owners. An “Offer to Buy” was sent to the owners but they refused to acknowledge the receipt.
“The above-said registered owners / administrators / declarant / heirs and/or representatives did not respond positively to the offer to buy made by the city resulting in its failure to acquire the property for public use,” the complaint reads.
With that, the Carcar City government sought for the court’s intervention.
The city government said the abovementioned parcels of land were located on the “most practicable and viable site” that suited the city’s project.
The city government asked the court to issue a writ of possession in their favor. (FREEMAN)