TF recommends RTC judge’s prosecution
CITY Legal Officer George Mejia, a retired city judge, is ready for a face-off.
The Task Force on Squatting and Urban Resettlement has officially recommended the filing of charges against Regional Trial Court Judge Robert Rudio of Branch 40 for illegally occupying a portion of the Tondaligan National Park.
In a meeting last February 11 presided by Mejia, the task force unanimously passed a resolution endorsing to Mayor Alipio Fernandez the prosecution of illegal settlers, including Rudio, in the park.
The task force has also asked the Barangay Council of Bonuan Binloc to submit an inventory of other squatters in the area.
Rudio has admitted to being the owner of a two-storey house situated on a supposed portion of the national park, but the judge asserts it is a “public land”.
The city government is considering the area as site for a five-hectare housing project for employees.
“We found out that before we can ask for the segregation of the land and build the project, somebody is already occupying the area ahead of us,” said Mejia.
Assistant City Engineer Mar Prado said Rudio did not have any building permit when he constructed the house and ignored several notices given him by the engineering department to stop the project.
The illegal settlers will be charged for violating several laws, including Presidential Decree No. 1096, or the National Building Code of the Philippines; Republic Act 7279, the Urban Development Housing Act of 1992; and the Code of Conduct of members of the judiciary for Judge Rudio.
The resolution will be forwarded to Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. and the city council and to the Supreme Court of the Philippines thru Court Administrator Jose Perez.—LM
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
