Las Piñas steps in to help resolve BF dispute

Motorists may pass through the Las Piñas gates of BF Homes as long as they have so-called "friendship stickers" issued by the Las Piñas city government.

"These friendship stickers are being distributed by the city government for free. As long as they are issued these stickers, they can pass through the village gates (Tirona, Concha Cruz and Multinational) connecting Parañaque and Las Piñas cities without any problems," said Jimi Castillano, chief of the Las Piñas City Public Information Office.

The Parañaque City government has been locked in a dispute with the United BF Homeowners Association Inc. (UBFHAI) over control of the village gates.

Motorists traveling between Parañaque and Las Piñas pass through BF Homes to escape the perennial traffic jams. The dispute began when the UBFHAI required motorists to obtain stickers issued by the association — similar to car passes issued by private subdivisions to residents. UBFHAI president Celso Reyes said the stickers help maintain security inside the subdivision. Proceeds also go to the village’s upkeep.

Yesterday, however, the Parañaque City government warned the UBFHAI to keep their hands off the village gates. Nelson Lacambra, spokesperson of Mayor Florencio Bernabe, cited an ordinance giving the city government control.

Lacambra added that the UBFHAI should not attempt to issue stickers to motorists passing through, saying the Aguirre, Elizalde and Lopez gates of the subdivision are free for all types of vehicles.

Earlier, the city government has issued an order for the chief security officer manning all the gates to arrest village security guards forcing motorists to buy UBFHAI stickers.

"These are the particular gates which are being supervised by the city government. During unholy hours, a number of city personnel are deployed to check if there are those illegally issuing stickers to motorists in the said areas. Fortunately, no one has been apprehended yet," Lacambra said.

In 2004, Bernabe opened the gates to the public following complaints from businesses about the "gate pass fee" imposed by the UBFHAI for their delivery vehicles.

However, UBFHAI security guards took over the gates after the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court issued a cease-and-desist order following an appeal made by the UBFHAI.

Lacambra said that the city government filed a reply and the dispute is currently pending in court. "This meant a status quo, and that it is the city government that should for now govern the village gates pending a resolution from the court."