New Committee Formed to Settle ’93-1′

The Cebu Provincial Capitol has formed a new committee to resolve all issues surrounding the province-owned lots which are being occupied by Cebu City residents.

“The governor wanted to have a closure of this on his term, the sooner the better,” said Atty. Orvi Ortega, Capitol’s chief of staff and legal officer.

Ortega said Davide, last December, issued an executive order creating a special committee which is “tasked to resolve all issues pertaining province-owned lots that are occupied by these residents of the (Cebu) city, including those under Ordinance 93-1.”

Ortega said provincial administrator Marc Tolentino chairs it while some department heads are members.

He said the purpose of this committee is to congregate all efforts with regard to the 93-1 to fast track all negotiations. “The committee will meet and set the guidelines; identify the legitimate beneficiaries through homeowners association. Then know how much they should pay the province,” he said.

Ortega said it is not back to zero for them, as they will still consider what was agreed with the beneficiaries from the past administrations. He said they still even honor past agreements which are valid.

Over 5,000 families from Cebu City who are occupying the province-owned lots in barangays Luz, Apas, Busay, Lahug, Camputhaw, Lorega, Kalunasan and Capitol Site for decades.

In 1993, during the term of then Governor Vicente dela Serna, Ordinance 93-1 was approved authorizing the province to negotiate with the families who are illegally occupying these lots.