Davide hits Binay on 93-1 lots

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III took exception to Vice President Jejomar Binay’s claim that the provincial government is not doing anything to resolve the issues concerning the occupants of the province-owned lots.

Davide said Binay does not know anything of what the Capitol has been doing to help the occupants of the lots covered by Ordinance 93-1.

 “He’s been saying that: i-blame ang Kapitolyo. Apparently, he is not aware with what’s going on,” Davide told reporters.

 Davide said the Capitol has given the affected residents the “options” to settle the issue once and for all. He said they have also not ceased to talk with the homeowner associations and this month, there will be another gathering with them.

 “Within the month, mag-workshop  aron tan-awon ang best option for these occupants. How to resolve (the matter),” he said.

 Binay, who was here early this week, criticized the Capitol for delaying the resolution of the issue. The vice president, who used to head the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), came to visit the occupants of the Capitol-owned lots in Barangay Camputhaw, Cebu City. The situation was relayed to him by then governor and now third district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia.

Passed in 1993, Ordinance 93-1 offers the hundreds of original settlers of the Capitol-owned lots in Cebu City the opportunity to own the lot. Several years have passed but only a few occupants have paid the Capitol.

The others continue to bargain until now for a cheaper price. The problem is compounded by new homeowners claiming that they, too, are beneficiaries.

Binay told reporters that while Cebu City is willing to give P500 million for lot acquisition, it is the Capitol which is delaying the process.

 Davide said that P500 million from the city government is just an “offer” which is still subject to further study. — (FREEMAN)