Cebu City register of deeds: Vital office’s abolition eyed

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera has proposed an ordinance abolishing the Office of the Register of Deeds.

The proposed measure was referred to the council’s Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling for review.

“Currently, the Register of Deeds of the City of Cebu is under the jurisdiction of the Land Registration Authority and the functions of the Office of the Register of Deeds created under Ordinance No. 498 are the mandated functions of the former. Hence, it is Imperative to abolish the Office or the Register or Deeds,” reads the proposed ordinance.

Once approved, the vacant positions under the Office of the Register of Deeds are hereby abolished. The other positions, which are already filled up are considered abolished once vacated.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted Ordinance No. 498 on October 19, 1964 creating the Office of the Register of Deeds, which serves as the public depository of records of documents affecting the title of lands in the city.

But the ordinance was reportedly in contravention of Republic Act No. 1151, which created the Land Registration Commission (LRC) and conferred upon the Commissioner of the Land Registration to take direct control of the Register of Deeds (RDs) and established in every city and every province a branch registry.

Scouts Commission

On the other hand, Pesquera also proposed an ordinance abolishing the Cebu City Community Scouts Commission.

The proposed measure is also under review by the Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling.

“Through the years, the operation of the Community Scouts has evolved from just developing programs for Boy Scouts who are out-of-school to handling and managing a facility housing male youth who are in conflict with law and/or street children,” read the proposed ordinance.

“The operation of the facility can be best handled and overseen by the Department of Social Welfare and Services; however, the existence of the Community Scouts Commission cause confusion,” it added.

Pesquera said for so many years and administrations, said Community Scouts Commission has not been activated or the members constituted.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted Ordinance No. 1087 on January 19, 1981 creating the Cebu City Community Scouts Commission, which is tasked to administer, control, and supervised the programs for out-of-school youth who are members of the Boy Scout of the Philippines. – JMO (FREEMAN)