LGU demolishes bank building in plaza
FINALLY, AFTER 20 YEARS
BAYAMBANG—The town’s government finally demolished Municipality of Bayambang Homeowners Savings & Loan Association, Inc. building situated at the town plaza.
Backed by a resolution from the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), Mayor Cezar Quiambao led the demolition in the presence of members of the SB and the original petitioners against the construction of the building.
Quiambao said the demolition should impress upon all that corruption will not be tolerated by his administration.
“The construction of this building (in 1984) was illegal as it is within the property of the municipal plaza and it is clear in the law that the plaza should not be used for commercial purposes especially putting up a structure of a private company,” Quiambao said.
Present to witness the demolition were petitioners Dr. Henry Fernandez, former mayor Feliciano ‘Jun’ Casingal Jr. and Ofelia Villodres, who filed Civil Case No. SCC-1984 titled “Action for Declaration of Nullity, Residents of Bayambang vs Municipality of Bayambang Homeowners Savings & Loan Association, Inc.
“Thank God! This is a victory upheld by no less than the Supreme Court, which declared that the municipal plaza be beyond the commerce of man. And let me get this clear: I was not alone at this; there were eight of us. I am sad that a few of us are no longer around.” Fernandez said.
“Itinaya namin ang buhay namin dahil dito. For one year, I received death threats. May nagtapon ng ribbon, corona, at basura sa harap ng bahay ko,” he recalled.
The other petitioners he referred to were are his cousin Atty. Teodoro Junio and Oscar Marzo, who are now deceased, and Capt. Boy Gomez and Rollo Campued, who could not be present.
He said former Senator Nene Pimentel and Quiambao, who was then a private citizen, also helped them win the case by providing legal service pro bono, and financial assistance.
Quiambao said the building will be totally demolished and brushed aside the suggestion that it be used as a police outpost.
He said the area vacated by the building will be part of the town’s beautification project in the plaza, said Quiambao. (Hilda Austria)
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