Copies of Presidential Proclamation No. 832 and the Resolution of Civil Case No. 91-M-2020 of Branch 21 of the Regional Trial Court were issued and received by the security personnel. (PPAO)
By FREDDIE VELEZ
The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) asserted its rightful ownership over a 12-hectare land situated along McArthur Highway in the City of Malolos amidst recent claims of ownership by a family.
A certain Lourdes Domingo claimed that they own the 10.5-hectare portion of the land, which they allegedly purchased from a certain Antonio Bautista in 1978, while a certain Sally Lin claims to own another 1.5-hectare share. The Domingos recently took drastic actions to fence in the property to dispossess the PGB of the subject property.
The PGB's ownership and claim over the property emanated from Presidential Proclamation No. 832 issued by the late President Benigno S. Aquino III, which transferred the ownership of a portion of land located at McArthur Highway, Bulihan, Malolos City, Bulacan, consisting of 120,450 square meters from the Philippine Information Agency to the PGB.
Since its transfer, the PGB had exclusive possession of the property. To utilize the full economic potential of the property, the PGB entered into a Public-Private Partnership Agreement for the establishment of the proposed Bulacan Technohub and Innovation Center which aims to boost the economic, educational, and agro-industrial progress of Bulacan and adjoining provinces.
The Domingo family filed a petition before the Regional Trial Court of Bulacan Branch 21 for the Recovery of Ownership and Possession with Prayer for the Issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order and Writ of Preliminary Injunction with Damages.
The Court, however, rendered a decision dismissing the action for Recovery of Possession and denied their prayer for the issuance of a TRO. This pronouncement of the Court confirms the ownership of the PGB and favors its rightful possession over the subject property.
The second case was a Petition for Quieting of Title with Prayer for a Temporary Restraining Order filed by Lin against the Provincial Government of Bulacan which is still pending before the Regional Trial Court of Bulacan Branch 81.
Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando remains firm in his position that there would be no negotiation with the Domingo family. Fernando said the PGB will continue with its commitment to uphold lawful procedures in addressing land ownership disputes.
"Our actions are guided by due process and the pursuit of justice for all stakeholders," he added.