CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has initiated an investigation into a parcel of land in May Banawa, Brgy. Guadalupe, which officials claim belongs to the city. The move follows a privilege speech by Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. during the council’s regular session on November 6, 2024. The disputed land is located within the White Hills Subdivision, a private residential area in northern Brgy. Guadalupe.
Councilor Alcover stated that the land was originally designated for public use and should not have been appropriated by private developers. The inquiry addresses concerns over land misappropriation, urban expansion, and transparency in land allocation.
The contested area was historically intended for public utilities, such as roads or community facilities, according to land records. With urbanization, concerns about illegal land transactions and the conversion of public spaces into private ownership have arisen.
The White Hills Subdivision was part of a city planning initiative that may have been affected by urban growth. The inquiry will examine property titles and whether proper procedures were followed in the land’s transfer to the private developer.
The investigation could lead to the formation of a special committee to review ownership records and determine if legal measures are needed to reclaim the land.