Lapu-Lapu City Congressman Junard "Ahong" Chan and Mayor Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" King Chan have formally submitted a letter of appeal to the Municipal Trial Court in Cities, requesting the suspension of a demolition order affecting residents near the Mactan-Benito Ebuen Airbase.
Humanitarian Appeal Filed
The appeal, filed on November 14, 2025, seeks to halt the demolition on "humane and fair grounds" to assist affected residents. The writ of execution for the demolition is scheduled for implementation on November 19, 2025, according to court documents.
In their legal submission, the officials argued that the writ issued over five years ago has become "dormant" and has exceeded the five-year execution period under the Rules of Court. This legal technicality forms a key part of their argument against proceeding with the demolitions.
Ongoing Demolition Operations
The demolition activities that began on September 25, 2024, continue under the leadership of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at Mactan Airbase. Approximately 40 houses have already been destroyed in what community representatives describe as unreasonable demolitions that have displaced families of retired air force personnel.
Jovenal Giangan, spokesperson for the Mactan Neighborhood Association, Inc. (MNA), has called for presidential intervention, urging President Bongbong Marcos to investigate alleged corruption within PAF Mactan Air Base. Giangan claims the air force has collaborated with private entities for commercial purposes rather than military use.
Community Outcry and Legal Challenges
"This is injustice, we are the victims. The heirs and the destroyed houses of retired personnel," Giangan stated during a press conference. He emphasized that the ongoing demolition violates the law and lacks justification because the PAF isn't using the land for military reserves but for commercial gain.
Giangan further asserted that the PAF has no rightful claim to the land, which he says belongs to families holding proper decrees. While acknowledging that PAF is following Proclamation 784 signed by President Fidel V. Ramos in 1996, which allocated land in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu for Philippine Air Force military use, he insists they should respect judicial authority regarding the matter.
The situation remains tense as the November 19 demolition deadline approaches, with local officials and residents hoping their appeal will provide temporary relief while seeking a more permanent solution to the housing crisis affecting military veterans and their families.
