Eleven structure owners whose properties encroached on Capitol lots along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City are asked to pay retroactive rent which initial computation shows amounting to P37.7 million.
The figures, according to Capitol finance consultant Yvonne Gomos, are the computed annual raw land lease rates beginning only from 2014 up to 2023 — with the area’s current rental rate of P400 per square meter per month, based on today’s Consumer Price Index.
Gomos said for the actual figure, Capitol will have to include in the computation the actual year when these structures began their encroachment.
Of the property owners, the highest bill belonged to a prominent hospital whose initial payable reached P19.4 million. Other bigger tabs included P12.3 million and P5.4 million; while the smallest collectible was pegged at only P175,600.
The structure owners said they would have to bring the matter to their respective governing bodies as well as counter-check Capitol’s initial figures.
Governor Gwen Garcia said the figures will be submitted to the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council and would be backed by the Provincial Board for proper documentation and accounting.
This is only the first batch of property owners that have been found to infringe on Capitol lots along Osmeña Blvd. Capitol’s real estate division have identified at least 22 structures that have encroached in the area.
The Cebu Provincial Government owns the road lots as well as the sidewalks from the Capitol building all the way to Fuente Circle.
Gov. Garcia has been bent on asking for “just compensation” for these encroached properties since her position as Cebu Governor obliges her to defend the interest of the Province, lest she be charged with dereliction of duty. | Jane Revecoy
