In yet another attempt to illegally claim a historical government property, the Intramuros Administration (IA) strongly reiterates that the Maestranza, a parcel of land which is part of the Baluarte de Sto. Domingo inside the Spanish citadel, is not for sale.
Atty. Guiller Asido, Intramuros Administration administrator, said that brokers have been going to the IA office for the past two weeks inquiring if the property is indeed up for grabs.
Though Asido refused to meet the said brokers amid the seemingly renewed issue about the land which is now being developed as the country’s first creative hub, he immediately ordered a public notice through IA’s social media platforms reiterating that the historical site is not for sale.
“What we posted is a notice to ensure the protection of the government's interest. It is our people's patrimony,” he said.
Created by Presidential Decree 1616 in 1979, the IA is tasked to ensure the orderly restoration and development of the so-called Walled City as a monument to the Hispanic period of Philippine history.
Situated at the heart of the Philippines’ capital city, Intramuros has survived the long saga of the country’s struggle for independence.
In a legal briefer, the Maestranza Property was identified as Lot 1 and Lot 3 located in Block 198 of Intramuros facing Pasig River. The site is part of the Baluarte de Sto. Domingo.
The property is a 300-meter-long wall with 44 chambers that was built in the 16th century to serve as a storehouse and soldiers' quarter during the Second World War.
Years after it suffered destruction from the war, then President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the parcel of land to be reserved for park and other public purposes under the care of the IA through Proclamation 1925.
Asido said the property is the subject of a major rehabilitation program of the DoT as early as 2004, which involved the reconstruction of the Maestranza curtain wall.
Now, it is being completed and developed as the country’s first iconic creative hub, in which the 44 chambers will be turned into artist studios, exhibition halls, incubation spaces, workshop areas, and for other commercial purposes.
For the past years, the IA said there was no dispute as to the government's ownership over the land where the historical curtain wall stands.
But in 2019, a certain Dario Coronel and his spouse Amelia, claimed ownership over the property, specifically claiming ownership to Lots 1-A and Lot 3 Block 198 to which the IA described they are presenting “dubious titles.”
The height of the land dispute happened on Sept. 15, 2019 when some 50 security personnel of 8 Silver Security agency took over the peaceful possession of the government property by using intimidation and force.
According to IA, the personnel presented to the Intramuros security personnel on duty a Special Power of Attorney issued by Dario and Amelia appointing Sunline Credit Inc. as its attorney authorizing the latter to exercise administration, general control, and supervision over the property.
Asido said they immediately sought the assistance of the Philippine National Police Special Weapons and Tactics (PNP-SWAT) team, which led to a stand off against the armed security personnel.
Though it was later pacified, the IA once again received reports last year that a new security agency deployed by the Coronels are again occupying the Maestranza, an act which is contrary to what was previously agreed upon by the parties.
Asido said the board has already taken action before the Land Registration Authority in order to protect the rights of the historical property and the government as a whole.
In November 2019, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) reversed its opinion that had earlier recognized the land titles of the Coronels who claimed ownership over Maestranza.
“Given these material facts, the OSG must clarify the status of the two lots and set aside its earlier position as regards the existing titles over the Maestranza property. With the new facts presented by IA, supported by voluminous records, the OSG hereby render this opinion,” it said.
“The National Government, through the IA, owns the subject lots, or the Maestranza property,” the OSG stressed.
Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said some might be taking advantage of the situation given that the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Puyat echoed Asido's reminder that Intramuros is not for sale.
“By nature, how can you honestly sell Intramuros? It’s public land. It’s a historical site. It’s not for sale. Hindi pa ba tayo nasanay ngayong pandemya? Maraming nagtetake advantage,” she said