The Bacolod City Assessor’s Office insists that all documents submitted in relation to the procurement of the lot by the city government, particularly the former Ledesma property in Barangay Granada, are valid and legitimate.

City assessor Atty. Maphilindo Polvora said the landowners submitted a certification of non-exemption from the Department of Agrarian Reform.

They also submitted a certification of non-coverage and an affidavit of non-tenancy — proof that the property is not covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The property, measuring 74 hectares and classified as residential and agro-industrial, was purchased by the city government at a lower price of P1,300 per square meter, compared to its declared value of P1,400 per square meter.

Questions had previously been raised by some sectors about the legality of whether the land fell under CARP coverage.

However, the city land banking committee confirmed that all submitted documents were thoroughly checked and validated.

Polvora also emphasized that the Register of Deeds is among the committee members, ensuring further transparency and compliance of the transaction. / WDJ