CPA bars parking on contested lot

CEBU, Philippines - Even with the reopening of the lot near the Senior Citizens Park, the property could not be used as parking spaces lot even to government-owned cars.

A security officer assigned by CPA to guard the property told The Freeman that after the Friday demolition of the concrete and metal fences by City Hall, they were instructed not to allow vehicles, be it government-owned, to park at the area.

The demolition reopened Lapulapu, F. Burgos and F. Gonzales streets.

City Administrator Jose Maria Poblete said they do not have plans yet to press charges against the CPA although he stressed that the recent turn of events, like the 'no parking' policy even to government vehicles led them to direct the city's legal office to step in.

“For now, we don't have the intention to file charges but let us just say the mayor emphasized that we are protecting and promoting the interest of the city and the Cebuanos and that we should be ready to defend our position in any court of law,” Poblete told The Freeman.

Prevention Rehabilitation Order Beautification and Enchancement (PROBE) chief Raquel Arce said she was not aware of such no parking policy and promised to consult Poblete and the city legal officer on the matter.

Poblete added that the city government's legal team may help them in contemplating proper steps to take on the contested pre-war reclaimed property near Compania Maritima.

The property is right behind the city hall and beside the Senior Citizens Park, facing the sea.

“Obviously, this is something in which both camp has divergent view on the matter. CPA is claiming ownership on an area which unfortunately includes, historically, a road network. On this alone, it is evident that, the mayor, being the father of the city, will not countenance. This has become a legal issue which needs to be looked into by our legal office,” Poblete further explained.

He added that this is apart from the issue on the question of exercising the regulatory powers of the local government over a government-owned-and-controlled corporation (GOCC) like the CPA.

The conflict began when CPA claimed jurisdiction over the area, which was questioned by the city government, and fenced it without getting the necessary permits from the City Hall. – (FREEMAN)