RTC judge inspects CitiCenter

CEBU, Philippines - An ocular inspection was conducted yesterday at CitiCenter Commercial Complex in Barangay Kamagayan in relation to the civil case filed by the residents before the court.

Judge Ma. Lynna Adviento of Regional Trial Court Branch 6 together with her staff take a look around the CitiCenter.

Aside from Adviento and her staff members, counsels of parties, police officers and barangay captain Celestino Avila were also present.

Inside the CitiCenter, houses, sari-sari stores, printing machines and an inn were noted.

The ocular inspection took place at about 9:30 a.m. after the case for injunction was heard.

Adviento, in an interview, said the ocular inspection was conducted to determine the situation of the settlers inside the CitiCenter.

She however declined to further answer the questions raised by the media. She does not want to pre-empt things, she said.

Lawyer Jose Marie Poblete of the city government told the media that both parties were given seven days to file respective memorandum.

“As agreed by both parties, we will file our memorandum for the legal aspect and after that it will be submitted for resolution,” he said, adding that they will no longer present witnesses.

One of the residents, Joselito Cabaging, told the media that they are willing to vacate but they are asking for a considerable time. he asked the city government to give them until the classes end as he has two children.  He likewise asked the city government to give them a relocation site.

Cabaging said they were staying at CitiCenter for a decade now. At first they paid rental to the previous owner but after the previous owner failed to pay taxes, the city government took over the said property.

Another resident, Crispin Calisterio, expressed his willingness to vacate the place but asked for enough time. He said he has siblings who go to school. He added if the demolition will push through, it will be the second time they will experience such.

He claimed he paid P5,000 to a certain Artis in order to build his house and to continue living inside the CitiCenter.

Barangay Captain Celestino Avila said there are 29 residents inside the CitiCenter. He added he will be asking the city government for a relocation and he will be meeting Mayor Michael Rama today for that matter.

For the relocation site, Poblete said that issue will be tackled but will undergo process. He said the DWUP will make a study on who are entitled to a relocation site.

About the claim of giving money to somebody, Poblete said that would be investigated to clarify issues.

Earlier, Adviento issued a temporary restraining order to stop the City of Cebu from clearing the CitiCenter until the issue on injunction will be resolved. — (FREEMAN)