Residents seek court’s help over road

CEBU, Philippines - Nearby residents of Beverly Hills Subdivision have brought to court their request to open Woolbright Drive which was already donated to the Cebu City government since 1976. 

The petitioners are led by former congressman Pastor Alcover, Jr. of Upper Lahug-Kalunasan Residents Association and Paul Corominas of Home Legacy. 

Corominas said Beverly Hills Homeowners Association claimed ownership of the road and has been regulating the entry of vehicles since last year. 

“Ingon sila dili kuno public road,” Corominas said. 

Vehicles without stickers have to enter Gate 1 so the driver can leave his driver’s license and get a gate pass. On the other hand, vehicles without stickers are not allowed to use Gate 3 to enter since the gate passes are in Gate 1.

Gate 3 shall be closed from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. even for non-residents with stickers. 

Alcover showed a copy of the deed of donation entered into between Edgar Woolbright, president and general manager of Beverly Hills Corporation, and then Cebu City mayor Eulogio Borres, dated March 17, 1976. 

Alcover said they already sent a letter to the city government asking why it allowed the controlling of the road, which was already donated. 

On March 26, 2014, the City Council referred the petitioners’ letter to the Committee on Urban Planning and Development, to the General Services Office and to the Homeowners Association in Barangay Kalunasan for comment and recommendations. 

“Hangtud karon wala ma’y action, we went to court,” Alcover said. 

Last Friday, the court heard their petition for temporary restraining order. 

Alcover added he will lead the more than 2,000 households in holding a “people power” in front of the City Hall should their request not be heard. 

“Pagkakaron huwat lang una mi unsa’y resulta sa among TRO,” he said.  (FREEMAN)