• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A former Bacolod councilor has requested the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City to conduct a public hearing on the demolition of the City Hall along Araneta-Luzuriaga streets, Bacolod City.
In his letter to Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran dated November 12, Archie Baribar said he is writing as one of the intervenors in Civil Case No. 09-13457 entitled “Luzuriaga vs. Municipal Government of Bacolod,” now pending before RTC Branch 50, Bacolod City.
Baribar said the case is about the claim of the Luzuriaga family on the property where the old City Hall stood.
At present, the old City Hall has been fully demolished, contrary to earlier reports that it will be “refurbished/rehabilitated.” The present destruction or the intended construction may prejudice the rights of the city over the said property, he said.
With this, it is of great importance that the Sangguniang Panlungsod take a second look into the matter, Baribar said.
“As this will have grave consequence, may I request, as intervenor in said civil case and as a concerned constituent of the city, for the Sangguniang Panlungsod to conduct a public hearing, whether as a committee as a whole, or thru its appropriate committee, to look into, investigate, and assess the present action taken on the property to eliminate or diminish any legal liability the city may face,” he said.
Baribar also requested the participation of the Office of the City Mayor, City Legal Office, City Engineer’s Office, the contractors concerned, and the Luzuriaga family in the public hearing.
“Considering that time is of the essence, your response/action within 15 days as required by Sec. 5 (a) of R.A. 6713 is highly anticipated,” he concluded.*
