CEBU CITY – A Quezon City-based company vowed to provide thousands of jobs and spur economic activity once it starts developing a controversial 4.6-hectare property in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas here.
Former Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice, spokesperson of Mazy’s Capital Inc., said the company will put up hotels, condominiums, and business process outsourcing buildings in an area called Lot 937 where demolition of more than 150 houses started on Thursday, Nov. 3.
“We will be investing in Cebu. We will be providing thousands of jobs,” Erice said in a press briefing on Thursday.
The legal battle between the company and residents spanned decades but the demolition finally pushed through with the approval of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, said Erice.
Tension flared when some residents blocked the demolition team.
Rocks and bottles flew when police tried to clear the area from resisting residents. At least four individuals were apprehended by the police during the commotion.
Erice said the company brought the property from owner Mariano Godinez in 2019.
He said Godinez was already 99-years-old at the time the property was bought. Godinez died three months after the property was paid for.
“It was a sad story for Mr. Godinez because the court case, he fought it out for 30 years. From the Regional Trial Court, to the Court of Appeals, then to the Supreme Court. There was already a decision which was final and executory in 2010. Mr. Godinez was not able to implement the writ of execution, writ of demolition for several unforeseen reasons,” Erice bared.
Erice added that before Godinez died, he asked businessman Alfredo Yao, owner of Mazy’s Capital, to help ensure that his children would benefit from the property.
Erice said the company started negotiating with the settlers and was willing to pay each family up to P150,000. He said some 45 families have already received about 50 percent of the amount.
During the demolition, some residents resisted as no clear relocation has been given to them.
Erice said the relocation site of those who will be affected by the demolition could have been settled a long time ago if only they were cooperative.
“We’ve been talking to them since 2019. If only they negotiated with us properly, we could have finalized their relocation already,” said Erice.
Erice said negotiations with the occupants started well but the previous leaders of the homeowners group were kicked out. “An amicable settlement was reached but unfortunately, the group was divided,” said Erice.
Erice pointed out that the company was keen on providing assistance to the settlers.
“We settled about 45 families. The settlement was much more higher than what was required by law. We promised P150,000 per family but under the law it is only P25,000 per family. Most of them have received half of the amount,” Erice said.
Erice said it saddened the company that some residents are accusing them of being land grabber. “It pains us that we are being called land grabber. But when we won in the Supreme Court, the Philippine Constabulary which used to occupy the area left,” Erice said.
Erice said those claiming that they are legally occupying the lot could not present records of expropriate proceedings. “Where is the deed of sale? Where is the transfer of titles? They could not present anything,” said Erice.
Most of the occupants are professionals, retired police, or retired military, he said.
Erice advised those who were affected by the demolition to move on for the sake of their children.
“We are happy that the rule of law prevailed. We should follow the law because what will happen to our country if we defy the rule of law,” said Erice.
Erice added that the demolition of the houses was not inhuman. “We could have pushed through the demolition a few years ago but we decided to postpone it due to the pandemic,” said Erice.
At least 42 houses were expected to be demolished on Thursday.
Erice said the demolition could be completed by the end of next week by demolishing 25 to 30 houses a day. Even if the demolition has started, Erice said the company is still willing to negotiate with the affected families.