ILOILO City – The City Legal Office (CLO) is studying possible charges against unscrupulous individuals selling rights and houses at the property of the city government in Barangay San Pedro, Molo district.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said documentary evidences regarding the illegal act are now with the CLO.
“There are criminal offenses for that,” he said.
The city mayor said reports on individuals selling rights and houses in the area have been going around even before but it was only recently that the city government obtained evidences.
Among those involved in the selling of rights were a city hall employee and a barangay official, he said.
“Very unfortunate nga may isa ka city hall employee. I don’t know if job hire or regular siya but it is going to be very sad for him. May isa ka barangay official man. Atubangon lang nila ang ila dapat atubangon, ara na sa legal [office),” said Treñas.
He also disclosed that the Office of the Building Official (OBO) issued a notice of illegal construction while a city government-owned structure in the area was leased to somebody from Antique province.
“Some people can be very enterprising,” Treñas lamented.
The city government property in Barangay San Pedro is currently being occupied by informal settlers. Treñas said they are part of those who will be relocated.
He added that notices to vacate have already been issued to all occupants and as soon as the relocation sites are available, all illegal occupants will be ejected.
“That is a prime property. Ang syudad gabakal sang duta para pamutangan ta sang aton facilities. Indi na naton ma-tolerate ang mga informal settlers,” he said.
The OBO and Iloilo City Urban Poor Affairs Office (ICUPAO) recently joined the barangay assembly of Barangay San Pedro to discuss the current situation in the area and get the sentiments of the residents.
OBO head Mavia Gustilo reminded the residents that, among others, selling of rights is illegal while ICUPAO head Roy Firmeza assured that a relocation site will be provided for those who will be evicted.
ICUPAO’s mapping in the area is still ongoing to determine the number of informal settlers./PN
