More than 80 houses were demolished under the administration of Mayor Lucy Torres.
A controversy has erupted in Ormoc City after it was reported that 80+ homes were demolished under the administration of Mayor Lucy Torres.
Recently, public concern and debate online were sparked after it was reported that more than 80 houses in Ormoc City with titles were demolished under the administration of Mayor Lucy Torres. According to reports, around 81 houses were torn down.
The order is part of a government project that aims to develop a PHP 20-million civic center. This demolition has drawn widespread criticism, as it was not only done amid a crisis but also because it has affected residents, who claim that they possess legal land titles proving ownership of the property.
Homeowners alleged that despite their claims, notices were issued directing them to vacate the area. The notices were released in February, and it further stated that the land will be used for the said development plan.
Some residents also stated that they had been consistently paying property taxes until recently, when the local government reportedly stopped accepting payments.
The reports added that despite the issue being brought to court, the demolition was still carried out, even with no resolution yet. Critics argue that proceeding with the demolition despite a pending legal dispute raises serious questions about due process and the protection of property rights.
Some of the houses that were demolished included long-standing family homes and ancestral houses. This has brought a deeper emotional and social impact on the displaced families.
There were also allegations that the affected residents were offered financial compensation ranging from PHP 10,000 to PHP 24,000, along with temporary relocation to a plot of land. However, people questioned whether the assistance was enough, since the relocation did not include housing and was only temporary.
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