PCUP exec told to explain role in Apas lot row

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella is asking Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor coordinator Jacqueline Visitacion to explain her alleged involvement in the issuance of a certificate to proceed with the demolition of houses on Lot 937 in Barangay Apas.

In a letter dated September 13, the mayor appealed to Visitacion to immediately recommend the withdrawal of the PCUP certificate for being “anomalously issued.”

“If you fail to do so, I will be inclined to believe that you may have facilitated in the issuance of the said questionable PCUP certificate,” he said.

Labella said he was furnished a copy of the letter of Solicitor General Jose Calida to PCUP chairperson Alvin Feliciano and the Urgent Omnibus Motion of the Office of the Solicitor General.

Both documents questioned the propriety of the issuance of the Certificate of Committed Financial Assistance by the PCUP signifying the completion of pre-demolition conference in the civil case involving the said property.

Calida already asked PCUP to impose disciplinary action on its erring employees responsible for the issuance of the false certification.

He asked the PCUP to withdraw or not renew the certificate signifying the completion of pre-demolition conference with the affected residents.

Labella said he wants to give Visitacion a chance to explain her alleged involvement in the issuance of the questionable document.

“It appears from the Urgent Omnibus Motion and Letter that you facilitated and/or manipulated the failure of your office to comply with Executive Order No. 69, Series of 2012, its IRR, RA 7279, and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2014-08 that resulted to the anomalous issuance of the Certificate of Committed Financial Assistance/PCUP Certificate,” the mayor’s letter read.

Labella said PCUP’s regional office has been directed by the Regional Trial Court Branch 9 to file a comment on the manifestation of the complainants in relation to the questioned PCUP clearance to proceed with the demolition.

The lot 937 is occupied by the families of retired military personnel and soldiers since 1960s. The court earlier granted the motion of Mariano Godinez, the claimant of the property, to implement the writ of demolition of houses in the area. (FREEMAN)