Capitol wants old Lahug airport lots back

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Government has insisted its ownership over the contested lots in IT Park-Lahug and has asked the airport management to return these properties.

Paulino Entera, chief of the Capitol's real estate section, said he already communicated to Mactan Cebu International Airport since last year.

"Naa mi suwat sa MCIAA last year pa. Sige pa mi og follow up," Entera said.

Entera showed to reporters a letter he sent to MCIAA general manager Nigel Paul Villarete, requesting for the return of seven lots in Barangay Lahug including the two lots in Barangay Apas that is now subject of a court order.

In his February 14, 2013 letter to Villarete, Entera said lots 942, 947, 956, 960, 964, 978, and 985 are part of the several parcels of lot "bought by the Province of Cebu from the National Government" on July 1, 1902. The sale was signed and approved by Gobernador General Francis Burton Harrison through Executive Order No. 20.

The lots, located in Barangays Lahug and Apas, were used by the Bureau of Air Transportation as an airport but the property was converted into a commercial hub that is now known as IT Park after the airport was moved to Lapu-Lapu City.

It's been several years after the conversion, and the province has been expecting to get back the property, but Entera said "until this date said lots were not returned to the province." He said Villarete has not also responded to his letter.

The ownership issue came to light after the occupants of lots 942 and 947 challenged the demolition order issued by Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 6 Judge Pamela Baring-Uy.

The court has ordered the demolition of houses owned by 157 families in Sitio San Miguel, Apas based on the civil case filed by Aletha Suico-Magat, who claimed ownership of lots 942 and 947. The demolition is scheduled on March 4. (FREEMAN)