Will road projects for Pope visit wreak havoc on Leyte’s ancestral homes?

MANILA, Philippines – Will the road widening projects in Leyte in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit in January take its toll on the ancestral homes in the province?

Malacañang on Tuesday said the government has the right-of-way but they have yet to face such a dilemma.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“Ayon po kay Secretary (Rogelio) Singson, ang pinapairal ng DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) ay ‘yung road right of way na karapatan ng pamahalaan,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said during a Palace briefing.

(According to Secretary Rogelio Singson, the Department of Public Works and Highways is implementing the road right-of-way, which is a government right.)

Coloma said the agency is closely consulting and coordinating with local government units and affected stakeholders.

“Ayon din po sa kanyang katugunan, ay wala pa silang partikular na aksyon doon sa mga itinuturing na ancestral homes,” he added.

(According to him, they still have no particular action on ancestral homes.)

Media reports earlier said that some ancestral homes in Palo, Leyte will be affected by the road widening projects being implemented for Pope Francis’ visit in January.

A Philippine Daily Inquirer report said the roads affected by the project are 11 kilometers long, from the Tacloban airport to Palo, where the Palo Cathedral is located.

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