CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council’s committee on laws wants further review and evaluation on the recommended expropriation of a property in Barangay Mohon for public use.
Councilor Richard Francis Aznar, chairman of the committee, said that the court shall determine whether the power of eminent domain is being exercised in accordance with the law.
Councilor Socrates Fernandez, chairman of the committee on public works and infrastructure, earlier pushed for the expropriation of the 862-square meter lot affected of an ongoing road project in Barangay Mohon.
In fact, the government has already offered to buy the property at P1,300 per square meter as fixed by the city’s appraisal committee based on the prevailing zonal value. The owners however refused to take the offer.
“The committee recommends that the proposed ordinance be reviewed and evaluated by the court,†Aznar said.
Section 19 of RA 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code allows local government to expropriate properties affected of its infrastructure project.
The city government can immediately take possession of the property upon filing of the petition for expropriation and upon making a deposit with the proper court based on the fair market value of the property. –(FREEMAN)