THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 wants to immediately demolish the wall of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) compound on Gen. Maxilom Ave. that will be affected by a road-widening project.
The wall is facing F. Sotto Drive, or the road to the left of the compound.
Engr. Ervin Llorente, project inspector of DPWH said the wall will be adjusted about four meters inward to the compound to complete the P33-million 10-meter widening project.
Structures inside the compound that will be removed include the district office of Buklod, INC’s organization for married couples; the district minister’s quarters; and the INC powerhouse.
Compensated
Llorente said the demolition has been set on Sept. 14.
He said the compensation has already been deposited with the court, saying it is one of the requisites for the writ of possession issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 18 in favor of DPWH.
DPWH will also ask Visayan Electric Company to help remove electrical posts on the sidewalk of F. Sotto Drive.
Eminent domain
The road-widening project has been delayed due to INC’s opposition.
Last October, the INC wrote the DPWH and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) stating “the project will destroy a religious edifice of historical significance and unduly disrupt constitutionally protected religious activities” and that it does not serve public interest.
In a response dated last Aug. 13, Estrella Decena-Zaldivar of DPWH central office legal service said religious properties like churches and cemeteries are not exempted from the state’s power of eminent domain.
The letter cited a provision of Article 1 of Republic Act 917 that the DPWH has the authority to select, locate, designate highways, acquire and use of right-of-way and to construct, reconstruct and maintain the same.
INC refused to comment on the matter and barred media entry to the compound for an interview.