Cherry Hills tragedy victims bewail HLURB decision

At least 130 families affected by the Cherry Hills subdivision tragedy in Antipolo City in 1999 expressed dismay yesterday over the recent decision of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLRUB) ordering the reimbursement of all payments they made to the developer. The affected families claimed they are not seeking monetary consideration from Philjas Corp. but for the 57 residents who perished in the tragedy to get justice.

Philjas officials promised to give staggered payments to the affected families but the residents claimed the developer failed to pay the first batch of beneficiaries. Aside from reimbursing the affected residents, the HLURB in an en banc decision also cancelled Philjas license to sell lots along with its certification of registration and all the contracts made in selling the houses to the victims. They were also ordered to pay the victims P100,000 for attorney’s fees.

One of the affected residents, Lorna Tecson, 32, said she is far from being happy since the decision of HLURB only covers their lost property. She said she is willing to pursue the battle in court to get justice for her husband Danny, who was buried alive on Aug. 3, 1999. The body of Danny was the last to be lifted last July 31, 2000 from the tons of soil debris that collapsed on the houses of the victims.

"Ipinaalam ng abugado namin na babayaran kami ng P400,000 bawat isa, subalit ayon sa Philjas, wala na raw silang pagkukunan ng ganoong halaga. Kaya hindi ko na alam kung anong mangyayari sa kaso namin," Tecson said. "Hindi na pera ang pinag-uusapan dito kundi ang naging epekto ng trahedya sa mga buhay namin, dahil hirap kaming makabalik sa normal na buhay. — Non Alquitran