House probe into sale of Quezon Institute land sought

MANILA, Philippines—Eastern Samar Reprentative Ben Evardone has called for a congressional investigation into what he considers an “anomalous and illegal” sale of a 6.5-hectare Quezon Institute property, formerly the  headquarters of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

In filing House Resolution No. 1358, Evardone urged the House committee on good government to determine whether the sale had passed through the required bidding process for all government transactions.

“If such were true, the transfer was illegal since it required the approval of the President, and such requirement is wanting,” Evardone said.

He said the zonal value of the property would reach P5 billion based on the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the valuation and appraisal by independent brokers.

According to Evardone, the property could be sold only if the National Historical Commission of the Philippines would allow it.

Evardone said that under the new Heritage Law (Republic Act 10066), the Quezon Institute property is automatically protected, more so since its building was designed by architect Juan Nakpil, a National Artist.

“It is considered a national treasure and any sale or improvements must pass through NHCP whether the property is publicly or privately owned,” Evardone said.

Evardone warned that the people who facilitated the sale of the property could face a jail term of not less than 10 years and a fine of not less than P200,000 under RA 10066.

Evardone said there have been allegations that the PCSO board unilaterally decided to pre-terminate the rent-free lease contract of the PCSO with the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc. despite the fact that it still had 37 years left.

The Quezon Institute is a hospital that specializes in the care and treatment of patients with tuberculosis on E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City.