Camp 4 Gawad Kalinga lot deceptively being reclaimed?

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO
By March Fianza

How could one deceive a person who is no longer on this plane? Some years ago before he was called by his Creator to practice law in another dimension, the late Atty. Ed Quiaňo was active in the Couples for Christ and Gawad Kalinga and was able to help establish a housing project for homeless beneficiaries and families of victims of the 1990 earthquake.

Ms. Marissa Lawa, then the secretary of Atty. Quiaňo said the housing project was practically a cooperative effort by several private entities who contributed whatever effort they could share whether in kind, in cash or by doing physical labor.

For example, Holcim and Philex Mines provided material for the houses built and designed by members of the Philippine Institute of Architects while people saw the manual labor participation by soldiers from the Philippine Military Academy on a road opening funded by Prime Peak.

I also learned that part of the retirement money of Mrs. Quiaňo even found its way to the bulk of donations for the Couples for Christ-Gawad Kalinga housing project.

Marissa said even the insurance money of the son of CFC member Atty. Banasan who met an accident in California, USA was poured into the project.

In other words, the housing development that is now a community of 12 duplex houses along Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet was the collaboration of several individuals.

But wait, what about the land where the houses stood? The land, according to municipal records, had no legal documents of ownership, except that it was claimed by Mr. Jeronimo Siplat. If I’m not mistaken, he is a relative of my friend Felix Siplat of Tuba.

Marissa said, eventually she was asked to complete the papers and documents for the land, with all P58,000 taxes paid by CFC-GK.

In an affidavit of waiver and quitclaim dated Nover 4, 2004, Mr. Siplat said he owned the parcel of land and that he voluntarily offered it to the GK Community Development Foundation Inc. for the CFC project.

“That I am waiving and quitting forever my claim of ownership and possession over the aforementioned parcel of land, including all improvements therein, in favor of the GK Community Development Inc.,” he said in his affidavit.

In consideration of his waiver and quitclaim, CFC extended to Mr. Siplat financial assistance in the amount of P50,000.00 which he said he “acknowledged receipt with deep gratitude.”

The affidavit was also signed with the consent of his wife Clariza.

Almost seven years later today, after all the collaborative efforts of GK and CFC members and donors, dead and alive who sincerely shared so that others may have houses of their own, Mr. Siplat is saying another thing.

Marissa said, Jeronimo has denied receiving the P50,000 and has moved to reclaim the land he has voluntarily offered for the housing project, and has apparently been occupying one of the houses.

A complaint has been filed with the Camp 4 – Camp 6 barangay by Ms. Lawa to clarify the issue. She also hopes, the other GK members who helped raise the community would put in their efforts and help solve the problem.
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Such is the problem being encountered not only by private entities but LGUs. In the municipality of La Trinidad, certain lands donated in the past for the construction of schools and roads are now being reclaimed by the descendants of the donors.

Now isn’t it time, authorities and even the courts look into this, to include putting stiffer penalties for dishonest re-claimers? – marchfianza777@yahoo.com