CITY’S RELOCATION OFFER DEEMED FAIR

THE illegal settlers in Sitio Russia can end up losing all instead of coming out winners if they refuse to enter into an amicable settlement with the Dagupan City government.

This was gleaned from the statement of Judge Genoveva Maramba of Regional Trial Court Branch 44, during the preliminary conference on December 16 between the two contending parties when she expressed hope that the two groups would soon arrive at a ‘win-win’ solution.

City Legal Officer George Mejia credited Maramba for helping ease the tension at the beginning of the conference, which made the dialogue proceed cordially minus the usual recriminations.

“Maganda ang naging atmosphere ng dialogue, very friendly and cordial,” said Mejia.

The judge, Mejia said, still wants to avoid a protracted legal battle in her court and has indicated that that the city government’s offer is a appears to be a fair offer

The illegal settlers, who filed a case against the government through their homeowners association, earlier rejected the relocation plan and refused to leave Sitio Russia, a government-owned lot that has been allocated for a planned seafood processing plant.

In recent weeks, tension grew in the area as residents put up illegal blockades to prevent authorities entering their compound to forcibly eject them.

Mejia, who himself once served as a Dagupan City judge, quoted Maramba as saying that the offer of the city government will assure the plaintiffs house and lot, proper utility services and alternative livelihood programs.

Another meeting is scheduled at Maramba’s sala on January 14.

Mejia said the city government is still keen on pursuing an out-of-court settlement while the residents appear receptive they have remained non-committal.

Pre-construction work is already completed at the proposed relocation site in Sitio Bagong Baryo, Bonuan Binloc and the city government is now preparing to bid out the contract for the construction of houses.—LM

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