Chong Hua sued for fencing a private lot

CEBU, Philippines - For allegedly constructing a fence situated along Espina Village, B. Rodriguez Street, Cebu City without the owner’s consent, a private hospital is facing charges before the court.

Businessman Sowaib Sacar, a resident of Talisay City, alleged that Chong Hua Hospital Medical Arts Center constructed a fence over his property without his consent while he was in Manila for medication in December 2016.

“Plaintiff was surprised because he did not give consent or authority to the fencing of his property. For this reason, since he was still in Manila for his continued medical treatment as he had just had a kidney transplant, he instructed his staff to immediately protest and report the matter to the barangay for the purpose of stopping the construction,” the complaint read.

Sacar said barangay officials acted on their complaint and stopped the ongoing construction.

A “no-trespassing” sign was then installed in the area.

Sacar added that on January 3, the defendants, despite being given clear instruction not to continue with its fencing, reportedly defied and continued with the construction.

Named defendants were Chong Hua Hospital Medical Arts Center, owned and operated by the Association of Benevola De Cebu, Inc.; Victoriano Go, chairman of the board; Lim Liu, president; and Dr. Helen Po, chief operations officer, and Probuilders Inc. represented by Paul Morgia.

Sacar also inquired and learned from the Office of the Building Official that the defendants do not have a permit for their fencing activity.

If the construction continues, Sacar said they will be deprived of their property.

“If defendants are not constrained and the works are completed, plaintiff will be deprived of his ownership and use not only of the portion of the lot fenced which is more than ¾ of the entire property,” the complaint reads.

Sacar asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the defendants.

He asked for damages amounting to P3.18 million against the hospital management.

Defendants are set to answer the complaint filed before the court. (FREEMAN)