On private property: Talisay City rejects reclamation

CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu City councilor Procopio Fernandez expressed his disappointment against the Talisay City Council during its regular session last Tuesday after the body did not approve a resolution expressing no objection to his permit application with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).

He intended to develop an area in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City near South Road Properties (SRP) and was seeking approval from the PRA.

"Unsa may sala nako sa Talisay nga bisan ka-usa wala man ko nanghangyo gani, ako pa ang nitabang sa nihangyo nako nga taga Talisay kaniadto pa," Fernandez said.

He said that for the last 15 years he slowly developed around 5,000 square meters of property over a reclaimed area.

PRA has questioned the construction at the area because he does not have any authorization from the office, which allegedly made him pay P300 million as fine over the unauthorized reclamation.

He appealed for the City Council to reconsider because a resolution from the body that it is not interposing any objection to his project is the only requirement he lacked so he be allowed to continue.

He said it was in the 80s and 90s yet when he first appealed for the council to give him the approval for him to develop the place but until now he continues to be denied.

Fernandez said that he would be happy if the council will follow the rule of law because on his part he already fulfilled all requirements.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, council presiding officer, warned the council that it was not right to delay a man who only wanted to develop the place especially if the city does not have a concrete plan to improve the area.

Villarante, a lawyer, said he based his statement on various legal opinions regarding the issue.

As a result, the City Council agreed to invite the head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to their next session to further enlighten its members on the area that Fernandez wanted to reclaim. — (FREEMAN)