The Ormoc City government cleared long-disputed land in Barangay Cogon on April 8 to pave the way for a planned civic center aimed at improving public service delivery.
Officials said the property was originally acquired through expropriation proceedings dating back to 1965, with full payment of just compensation completed in 1982 and reaffirmed through multiple court rulings.
The local government, led by Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, said the project will house key city and national agencies to make services more accessible to residents.
Authorities carried out the clearing under legal procedures, coordinating with multiple government agencies and providing relocation assistance to affected families.
Despite decades of legal disputes, the city said it will proceed with the civic center as part of its long-term development plan.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 15, 2026
