Gov't intervention sought on case of primary school
The legal tussle between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the heirs of Serafin Hinolan with regard to the 5,000 square meter lot occupied by the Jaro II Elementary School in Jaro district is already with the Office of the Solicitor General (SolGen).
City Mayor Jerry Treñas said Iloilo City Superintendent of Schools Erlinda Gencaya had sought the assistance of the Solicitor General to address the problem.
A representative from the SolGen's office reportedly would arrive in Iloilo City November 14, 2006.
He did not comment on whether the property will be subjected into an expropriation proceedings given the fact that the property is used for educational purposes. He, however, said the city first attempted to buy the property but the owner sells it in a much higher price the city could not afford.
The property being questioned is located in Cuartero, Jaro and is considered a commercial area considering its proximity to a mall, supermarket and even the Jaro church. Commercial establishments are also located in the area.
Branch 31 of the Iloilo Regional Trial Court recently issued a writ of execution on the lot occupied by the Jaro II Elementary School.
The legal battle on Hinolan's property reportedly started in 1991. The writ of execution followed after the court issued an order to vacate or demolition.
The school officials said part of Hinolan's property was donated to the school. The property housed 20 classrooms and academic buildings. However, the court ruled in favor of the heirs after the school presented no deed of donation between Serafin and any official of the school at the time when the property was donated for school purposes.