Capitol orders removal of barriers

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Capitol has ordered for the removal of the barriers placed by some officers of the Old Philippine Railway Residents Association, Inc. at a road lot in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City which is owned by the Province of Cebu.

Provincial Legal Officer Orvi Ortega approved the recommendation of Assistant Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla for the destruction of the barriers following a complaint of Antonio Canoy and some residents affected.

 Canoy said the barriers caused injury and disturbance in the use of the property for their right of way.

 The barrier was reportedly removed already by Capitol personnel last Friday.

 It was found out that the Province of Cebu had been the registered owner of 11 parcels of land situated at Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.

 However, in June 7, 1971, a sale agreement was entered into by and between the Province of Cebu and OPRRA which provides for the relocation of some occupants of what used to be the old Philippine railway in Cebu City to the said 11 parcels of land.

 Pursuant to the said agreement, the 11 parcels of land were then subdivided into several home lots and some of which had already been sold to by the Province to its occupants and qualified beneficiaries.

 In April 16, 2012, the Provincial Government terminated the agreement for failure to comply with its conditions and the remaining unsold areas covered therein are now in the position of the provincial government.

 Martinquilla said the subject closed road lot is not one of the lots already conveyed by the Province to OPRRA, Inc. and its qualified members considering that it has been identified and used by the nearby residents as a road. (FREEMAN)