By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – The P222-million reconstruction of the old Bacolod City Hall has no legal impediments, according to city officials.
Bacolod City Legal Officer Atty. Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. clarified that the lot on which the old city hall stands was purchased by the local government and was not subject to conditions that it be used exclusively for that purpose.
Ting, when reached for comment, said they have not seen or read any document stipulating such a condition.
The issue surrounding the property was raised by former Councilor Archie Baribar, who urged the Sangguniang Panlungsod to conduct a public hearing on the matter.
In his letter to the City Council, Baribar claimed to be an intervenor in a case filed by the Luzuriaga family against the city government. The case, filed in 2009, seeks to cancel the property’s title and is still pending in court.
Baribar expressed concern that the full demolition of the old city hall, instead of its reported refurbishment or rehabilitation, could affect the city’s rights over the property.
He requested the Sangguniang Panlungsod to investigate the ongoing construction to address potential legal liabilities.
Ting said the property, measuring approximately 3,200 square meters, was originally donated by Jose de Luzuriaga to the provincial government and later purchased by the Bacolod local government in 1932.
The city government holds Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 1 to support its claim of ownership.
The case filed against the city involves a complainant with the surname Luzuriaga, but Ting noted that the complainant’s connection to the original owner remains unverified.
Ting reiterated that the city government is not aware of any condition requiring the property to be used solely as a city hall. He urged anyone with proof of such a condition to present it.
“As far as the city government is concerned, the reconstruction will proceed. The city sees no legal impediment at all,” Ting said.
The project will feature the design and construction of a four-story building with a basement, adhering to the National Building Code of the Philippines and design standards for government offices.
The estimated project cost of PHP 222 million is funded by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez previously emphasized that the project would honor the city’s history while incorporating modern technology to create a functional, inclusive hub for future generations.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said his office received Baribar’s letter and would refer it to the Committees on Laws, chaired by Councilor Espino, and Government Assets, chaired by Councilor Israel Salanga.
