Auction in line with SC decision

Here’s the real truth about the “truth” claim of Neal Cruz in his Inquirer column of Aug. 20:

There was no land-grabbing when the Quezon City government took over the property occupied by the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation (MSBF). The takeover was done pursuant to Section 263 of Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) or after the one-year period for auctioned properties had expired. The Quezon City treasurer’s office auctioned off the property on July 7, 2011, for nonpayment of real property taxes from 2001 to 2011 amounting to P57.208 million.

An earlier auction sale of the property conducted on Dec. 16, 2005 was declared null and void by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 219. However, in August 2010, the Supreme Court’s first division ruled in favor of the Quezon City government. That Supreme Court decision became final and executory on Feb. 21, 2011, thus paving the way for the new auction sale held in July last year.

Clearly, Quezon City Hall would not have conducted the 2011 auction sale if there had not been such a ruling from the high court.

This being the real truth, the Quezon City government denies having resorted to any “illegal act” involving—or “land-grabbing” of—the property. Cruz also has to consider that the subject matter is sub judice or pending before Branch 218 of the Regional Trial Court presided by Judge Luis Zenon Q. Maceren. It would be prudent therefore to refrain from hurling accusations and making inappropriate statements on the matter. Let the court decide on the case.

—GREGORIO T. BAÑACIA,

city government office head III,

Public Affairs and Information

Services Office, Quezon City-LGU