Cavite farmers file raps vs Revilla over demolition

Farmers in Barangay Cabangaan, Silang, Cavite filed graft charges against Public Estates Authority chairman and former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. with the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday for ordering the demolition of their houses on his property last Feb. 3.

In a five-page complaint, Teodoro Garcia, chairman of the Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Cabangaan, accused Revilla of violating Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees and RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Garcia said Revilla violated the law when he ordered the demolition of their houses on his 25-hectare property in Barangay Cabangaan even while there was a pending case with the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB).

He said 44 families were displaced following the demolition of the 42 houses.

"Many of us were hurt. Our families, including our forebears, had lived in that place even before Revilla bought the (property). Now he wants us to leave even without any relocation site for us. That is not just," he said.

Garcia said the displaced families are not disputing Revilla’s ownership of the property but only wanted to be treated decently by being properly relocated and compensated for developing the land.

Also named in the complaint are a certain Col. Soriano, Chief Superintendent Rodel Sermonia of the Cavite police’s intelligence unit, DARAB-Cavite sheriff Ricardo Crucido, and demolition team leader Belleza Enrique Laurel of the Rocky Security Agency.