PGB reasserts ownership of 12-hectare property in Malolos

CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) asserts its rightful ownership of the 12-hectare land situated along McArthur Highway in this city, amidst recent claims of ownership by the Domingo family, who recently revived an issue, alleging that their property was illegally claimed and trespassed upon by the PGB and Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC).

A certain Lourdes Domingo claimed that they own the 10.5-hectare portion of the land, which they allegedly purchased from a certain Antonio Bautista in 1978, while a certain Sally Lin claims to own another 1.5-hectare share. The Domingos recently taken drastic actions to fence the property in an attempt to dispossess the PGB of the subject property.

PGB’s ownership and claim over the property emanated from Presidential Proclamation No. 832 issued by the late President Benigno S. Aquino III, which transferred the ownership of a portion of land located at McArthur Highway, Bulihan, Malolos City, Bulacan, consisting of One Hundred Twenty Thousand and Four Hundred Fifty (120,450) square meters from the Philippine Information Agency to the PGB.

Since its transfer, the PGB enjoyed peaceful and exclusive possession over the property. In order to utilize the full economic potential of the property, the PGB entered into a Public-Private Partnership Agreement with Robinsons Land Corporation for the establishment of the proposed Bulacan Technohub and Innovation Center, which will greatly contribute to the economic, educational, and agro-industrial progress of Bulacan and the adjoining provinces.

At present, there are two pending court cases related to the matter – first filed by Domingo in the Regional Trial Court of Bulacan Branch 21 for the Recovery of Ownership and Possession with Prayer for the Issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order and Writ of Preliminary Injunction with Damages.

The Court has rendered a decision dismissing the action for Recovery of Possession and denied their prayer for the issuance of a TRO. This pronouncement of the Court confirms the ownership of the PGB and favors its rightful possession over the subject property.

The second case was a Petition for Quieting of Title with Prayer for a Temporary Restraining Order filed by Lin against the Provincial Government of Bulacan which is still pending before the Regional Trial Court of Bulacan Branch 81.

Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando remains firm in his position that there would be no negotiation with the Domingo family and expressed the PGB’s continuing commitment to uphold lawful procedures in addressing land ownership disputes.

“Our actions are guided by due process and the pursuit of justice for all stakeholders,” he added. ###