The Mandaue City Government is studying the possibility of canceling the purchase of land for a socialized housing project after an investigation revealed irregularities, including documents bearing the signatures of landowners who had long been deceased.
City Administrator Attorney Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on said this was discovered in the initial report of the City Legal Office. The office recommended a deeper investigation and the filing of cases against those involved.
The City Government is reviewing the purchase of 10 parcels of land in Barangay Cambaro.
“When you look at the documents, you see the Deed of Sale and the Memorandum of Agreement, but the bigger question is: Who were the people behind this? Who pushed this transaction?” Malig-on questioned.
The report found that six landowners signed the documents but had died before the sale took place. Malig-on said there were defects in the supporting documents, including Special Powers of Attorney (SPA) that were not properly executed.
The City Government has already paid P16 million, equivalent to 50 percent of the agreed purchase price. The remaining balance was supposed to be paid once the land titles were transferred to the city.
