Poro Mayor Edgar Rama and several municipal officials are facing legal action for allegedly converting private land into a public cemetery without the owner’s consent.
The 13,008-square-meter property in Barangay Paz, owned by RMD Agricultural Development Inc., was used for burials during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the landowner discovered the unauthorized use only in December 2024.
Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon Durano III filed multiple lawsuits on January 31, 2025, seeking property recovery, an injunction, and damages, as the municipal government collected over P5 million in burial fees without compensating the landowners.
Durano and resident Shem Lucero, who had a relative buried on the land, are asking the court to stop the municipality from collecting fees without legal authority.
The RMD company clarified that they would donate the portion of land used for burials to affected families, not the municipality, and emphasized that the case is focused on property rights and legal procedures rather than financial gain.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 9, 2025
