In a longstanding dispute over the encroachment of Baloc-Baloc Creek in Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City, resort owner Selwyn Lao has sought the intervention of government agencies to address the issue. Lao, who owns a one-hectare lot at Multinational Village, claims that a subdivision project linked to Sen. Villar’s family, has encroached upon his property, causing significant damage.
.Lao’s plea for resolution dates back to May 18, 2015, when he wrote to Sen. Villar, offering a conciliatory solution to settle the matter. However, he alleges that the senator failed to act on his request. Lao, a civil engineer, provided a copy of his lot title from 1958 to assert his legal ownership of the property.
The heart of the issue lies in the construction of houses on Baloc-Baloc Creek, violating the required three-meter easement by law. Lao contends that these structures have obstructed the water course, turning the creek into a sewage system and causing environmental and health hazards. Despite repeated appeals to local authorities and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Lao claims that the issues remain unresolved.
Lao has also written to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its head, Secretary Benhur Abalos, urging a thorough investigation into the building permits issued for the houses on the creek. He emphasizes the urgency of the matter, citing damages during strong typhoons and the unsanitary environment created by waste disposal, posing health risks to residents.
The situation underscores the need for prompt government action to rectify the encroachment, investigate the legality of the construction, and mitigate the environmental and health concerns raised by Mr. Lao. The call for accountability is now directed at the DILG and other concerned government agencies to address this long-standing issue and ensure the well-being of the affected community.
According to Lao, the local government unit (LGU) is now also angry with him because he questions the office of the city building official for issuing building permits for houses built near or directly on top of the creek. He also criticizes the LGU for disregarding his complaints. Now, as a Homeowner, he is being pressured by the Moonwalk Barangay and harrassed.
