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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Solon wants inquiry on 'collusion' of local officials in land-grabbing incidents

Solon wants inquiry on 'collusion' of local officials in land-grabbing incidents

Published Apr 8, 2021 04:25 pm

Negros Occidental 5th District Representative Maria Lourdes Arroyo has called on the House of Representatives to launch a legislative investigation into the alleged collusion between local government officials and unscrupulous individuals in land-grabbing incidents and foreclosure of private properties in urban areas of the country.

MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

Arroyo, last March 15, filed House Resolution No. 1653 asking the House Committee on Local Government to look into the actions being taken, or the lack theof, by local government units (LGUs) in response to reports about land-grabbing and seizure of properties.
"Several citizens have brought to our attention...incidents of brazen land -grabbing in our urban centers, perpetuated by unscrupulous individuals, and aided and abetted by erring local government employees and officials," Arroyo said in the resolution.

The lawmaker said such incidents were made possible though the "abuse" of the Local Government Code, which grants LGUs the authority to impose taxes on real properties within their jurisdiction.

Specifically, she alleged that local officials make it appear that notices of tax delinquency were properly served, and then offer the properties to "dishonest" bidders for "an unconscionably low price, greatly disparate to its fair market value."
Arroyo said that her daughter has also been "victimized" by such scheme in Muntinlupa City.
According to the congresswoman, the city treasurer made an an "arbitrary and hasty" tax delinquency sale over daughter's family home "despite lack of valid notice".
She lamented that LGUs have not been acting on the alleged practice of their officials, who supposedly target owners of expensive real properties.

"There is a need to investigate the procedure surrounding the issuance ofnotice of  tax delinquency, and tax delinquency sales, to ensure that the interest of the government and the innocent real property owners as properly protected," Arroyo appealed.

She also cited the "need to review both the accountability or government on this matter, as well as the relevance of existing laws, in ensuring that the proper protection is given to our citizens."

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