Heir clarifies claim on lot

CEBU, Philippines - The daughter-in-law of the late Antonio Lim Tanhu, who owns a 1.3-hectare lot in sitio Vicente in barangay Tabok, Mandaue City, has clarified that she is the rightful inheritor of the lot, being the wife of Tanhu's only son, the late Henry Ngo Lim.

 Maria Paz Lim, a resident of Mabini corner Colon Sts., Cebu City said the controversy rose after some of the residents of the lot questioned the legality of her claim to the lot.

 After the death of Antonio Lim Tanhu, Mrs. Lim said all his (Antonio) real properties by operation of law were inherited by his son Henry Ngo Lim.

 Henry Ngo Lim, before his death executed his last will and testament dated July 26, 2005, designating his wife (Maria Paz) as his sole executor.

 Lim mentioned a commercial building, a parcel of lands of four different locations in Cebu City.

 The lot in barangay Tabok is not included but Lim also included other properties, real and personal, whatsoever and wheresoever located.

 Paz said the close to 200 residents occupying the lot will be given priority to buy the lot at P2,000 per square meter and asked them to fully pay on or before December 31, 2011.

 She said problems started after news reporter Greg Rubio of The FREEMAN who is a resident of the place asked for documents to prove that she is authorized to dispose of the property.

 Rubio, in a separate interview with The FREEMAN, said the intention of residents is to avoid problems in the future especially when it involves a big amount of money.

 Rubio said lawyers the residents have consulted have advised them that if any payment is made, it should be deposited in court.

Tabok barangay captain Felix Suico, Jr. told The FREEMAN that even if Mrs. Paz Lim claims having the authority to dispose of the property, residents occupying the lot want assurance to avoid future problems. - THE FREEMAN