Letter to the editor - Reaction to "Apas Lot"

Dear Editor: 

This is in reference to the letter sent by Ms. Maria Clara E. Ricamora of Banawa Cebu City titled “Apas Lot.”  

May I clarify a few points on behalf of Sitio San Miguel, Apas residents who occupy Lot 937, a portion of which was set aside for soldiers after it was expropriated by the Government in 1939.

If ever both South District Congressman Tomas Osmeña and Mayor Michael Rama are politicking at our expense, we are not concerned of that as long as they are assisting us.  It is already a non-issue to us if any official failed to help in the past.

What is important is that they are here now and hopefully, whatever the outcome of next year’s elections, they still would extend the same enthusiasm and dedication to us. 

We tried to get all the help we can get. And when Cong. Osmeña asked the residents of Sitio San Miguel whether or not we want him with us, our answer was a resounding “yes.”  He was there because we asked him to. He gladly obliged and promised to lend a hand, just like Mayor Rama who is the “Father of the City”. 

It is untrue that he did not help us before. In 2008, the former officers of our homeowners’ association met with him and were advised to present to the City Attorney all our documents to see where the City could come in. Alas, the officers sought out the camp of lot claimant Mariano Godinez instead of heeding then Mayor Osmeña. This came to light after a court order giving us until August 5, 2010 to vacate our homes arrived.

Losing one’s home feels like a death sentence. Facing that demolition team last April 13 was so surreal we had to prick ourselves whether or not we were just seeing things.

It was, however, so heart-breakingly real: but both Congressman Osmeña and Mayor Rama were there to our succor.

Again, we need all the help we can get in our fight for the court to grant us due process.

In 2001, we tried to intervene in the case but we were denied by the court, which said the matter was about recovery of ownership and not about possession of the property.  The court’s 2002 decision, however, said that it is about “recovery of ownership and possession.”  The residents were never made part of the proceedings but got a demolition order.

All we asked now is our day in court, which would be fruitless if our homes get destroyed by the wrecking crew. 

Congressman Osmeña undertood  that and helped, even if he is from the South District.

Sincerely yours,

Lt. Ignacio Labro (Ret. PA)

President

Archangels Residents Mergence, Inc. (ARMI)

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