Judge inspects Citi Center; occupants want relocation

THE judge hearing a plea to stop the eviction of occupants in the Citi Center Commercial Complex visited the downtown site yesterday to see for herself who were staying there.

After the occular inspection, Regionaal Trial Court Judge Ma. Lynn Adviento told parties to submit their memorandum within seven days.

She wouldn’t discuss her observations but the visit made it no longer necessary to present witnesses in court, said Cebu City Administrator Jose Ma. Poblete.

“What we need to argue will only be the legal aspects of the case,” he said.

Poblete and Kamagayan barangay captain Tony Avila accompanied the judge in her visit.

Joselito Cabaging, a 10-year occupant with three children, is one of at least 29 people living there.

“Give us a relocation site while there’s time to look for one. We have students in the family. Let’s wait until their classes end so we can move,” he said in Cebuano.

Avila said he would meet today with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to relay their request.

“All they ask is relocation. They know this is not their land,” he said but emphasized that only those with no homes would be accommodated.

Last week, the court issued a status quo order pending resolution of the case filed by occupants to stop the eviction order issued by City Hall.

The occupants were issued notices to vacate the city government property which used to be a privately run commercial area but has since become dilapidated and overrun by illegal settlers.