Who really owns the property where the Tabunok public market stands?

CEBU, Philippines - To avoid legal problems in the future, the Talisay City Hall will study the controversial lot where the Tabunok Public Market is constructed.

City spokesperson Arturo Bas said the city wants to avoid complications later on as what happened to the property in the old Lahug Airport, what is now the Ayala I.T. Park wherein the former owners are now asking the court that these should be resold to them at the same price when these were expropriated since the government has already abandoned the property.

Bas has feared that same case may happen to the 13,553-square-meter lot where the Tabunok Public Market and the parking area for tricycle which has reportedly been donated to the government.

Former Provincial Board member Raul Bacaltos has claimed the property was formerly owned by the Nacario family who donated it to Talisay sometime in the 1950's under the mayorship of late Mayor Rafael Rabaya Sr. in the 1950's.

Under the deed of donation, Bacaltos, who is a practicing lawyer, said if the government would divert the lot's use, from being a public market as stated in the agreement, the deal would then become null and void.

And then the property would be returned to its original owners, he said.

However, Bas said a copy of that deed of donation has not been seen, but nevertheless the city will check on its veracity.

He does not also know if the lot is owned by the government.

Bacaltos had to warn the city about the consequences after it started entertaining the idea of selling or leasing the property to private firms.

The city has constructed a new public market in barangay Lagtang, and this May it shall move out all vendors from the Tabunok Public Market.

Bas said there may be offers from firms to buy the Tabunok lot, but the city has not made any decision yet while the area is still being used.

"Wap-ay plano kung unsaon na. Tan-awon pa na kung mahuman na og balhin ang mga stall owners ngadto sa Lagtang," said Bas. - Liv G. Campo (THE FREEMAN)