CA says PPA
must pay damages
THE Court of Appeals has denied the bid of the Philippine
Ports Authority to evade the payment of damages to some 63 out of 1,465 families
displaced in 1994 for the expansion of the Batangas Port Zone.
The CA sustained the assailed rulings of Batangas City Judge
Paterno Tac-an dated March 5 and May 29, 2007 denying PPA's motion to dismiss
the claims for damages sought by respondent families.
"Petitioner has already been found both by the RTC and this
Court liable for damages to all squatter families living and occupying in the
expanded portion of the Batangas Port Zone and this judgment has long attained
finality," the CA ruled. "It cannot therefore excuse itself from its own mistake
under the cloud of state exemption from estoppel as this would amount to
deprivation of the propriety rights of private respondents without due process
of law."
In its decision issued on Aug. 24, 2007, the Supreme Court
ordered the PPA to pay more than P11 billion as just compensation to the 231
individuals whose lots were expropriated by the agency. But on Sept. 5, 2007,
the SC issued a status quo order deferring the implementation of its decision
for reasons of "public interest, fair play and due process." - Evangeline
de Vera
Vendor's suit
vs MMDA dismissed
THE Quezon City regional trial court upheld the ruling of a
metropolitan trial court junking the appeal of a sari-sari store owner whose
stall and goods were demolished and confiscated by the MMDA) three years ago.
In dismissing the motion of storeowner Gloria Fenol, Judge
Bernelito Fernandez said the MMDA has the right to clear sidewalks, streets and
other public places of illegal structures and obstructions.
Fenol, whose stall was constructed illegally on a sidewalk in
front of Everest Lumber in Cubao, was warned to leave in 2005 but she insisted
that her stall was standing on the arcade of Everest owned by Ang Ngo Chong. She
also showed the MMDA her business permit and clearances. The MMDA demolished her
stall but Fenol again reopened and filed for a TRO from the court, a request
subsequently denied. The court said Fenol's clearances and business permit did
not prove her stall was standing on private property. - Ashzel Hachero
PNP's Mamang
Pulis CD launched
THE Philippine National Police has distributed an initial
10,000 copies of the CD "Mamang Pulis: Kabalikat Mo, Kaibigan Mo" to policemen
and other sectors of the society.
Chief Supt. Reynold Osia, community relations director, said
the album seeks to create public awareness of PNP chief Avelino Razon's programs
and visions for the organization.
The album's 10 songs - are Mamang Pulis Salamat Sa Iyo, Aling Pulis, Bilib
Kami Sa Iyo, Mamang Pulis: Kabalikat Mo, Kaibigan Mo, Tayo nang Maglingkod Sa
Bayan, Saludo Ako Sa Iyo, Nanay at Tatay Kong Pulis, Kahit Na, Bayani sa Puso Ko,
Mamang Pulis, Aling Pulis, Saludo Kami Sa Iyo, and God Bless Our Cops. -
Raymond Africa
