Rama ready to face raps by Lorega folk

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said yesterday he is ready to face the civil case filed by residents of Barangay Lorega-San Miguel for alleged illegal demolition.

“Huwaton lang na nato sa court basta ang atong programa is to improve the lives of the poor,” Rama said.

The mayor said the city’s intention is to give its residents property that has been distributed equally for them to be safe from further emergency.

Last week, Cebu City Hall’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (Probe) demolished the houses owned by Margarita Arnoza, Lourdes San Felipe, Victorio Fernandez, Grace Marie Cabucos, Dolores Gaviola, Estarlita Mailig, Joan Coyoca Bacus, Lee Bacus, Rafel Vailoces, Julian Vailoces, Josephine Mendoza, Rabaira Recla, and Vivica Arnoza Carin in Sitio Phantom Barangay Lorega-San Miguel.

Following the demolition, the affected residents filed a petition for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus against Rama and PROBE chief Raquel Arce.

The residents said that to pave the way for a re-blocking project, they were included in the demolition despite having been spared by the fire that hit the area last March.

They claimed that no consultation was conducted on the matter and that the move was the “unkindest cut of all” because their properties were reduced after being re-blocked.

The city government has offered residents a P10,000 financial assistance and a 12-square-meter lot each for them to rebuild their houses.

Rama said that contrary to allegations, PROBE complied with the requirement of consultation to make the people understand that re-blocking is necessary as a precautionary measure in the event of emergency.

“So, what is there for us to be made responsible for anything? Ato nalang huwaton ang korte kay maminaw mana sila,” he said.

They asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order and to grant them P300,000 for actual, moral and exemplary damages. — (FREEMAN)