IN HIS bid to put a stop to the tussle between him and Arayat Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino, Vice Mayor Sixto Mallari Jr. has decided to buy back the contested property from his buyer and said he will donate a portion of it to the local government unit (LGU).
But Alejandrino rejected the vice-mayor's proposal of donating just a part of it for a day care center, stressing the LGU should have it all back.
It could be remembered that more than a week ago, Mallari decried the local government's seizure of a property he formerly owned at the foot of Mt. Arayat in Barangay Baliti which he sold to Sta. Ana town Councilor Ramoncito Barro Jr. earlier this year.
The property was padlocked by Alejandrino, as he claimed that the local government owns the land, which is inside the Small Water Impounding Project.
Alejandrino said the local government is set to construct a day care center in the property before the year ends.
Mallari, however, said that the mayor's move is politically motivated, citing rumors that he and Alejandrino's wife will be facing each other in the next mayoralty race.
"This issue has already created a ripple effect in the reputation of our municipality so to stop the mess and also avoid involving other people such as Councilor Barro, I decided to reclaim the property and gave back what Councilor Barro has paid me," said Mallari.
'Willing to donate'
The vice-mayor also said that he is willing to donate a portion of the land to the local government, provided that it will be used as location of the barangay day care center.
He also asked Alejandrino to ensure the safety of the children who will be coming to the facility as it is beside a dam.
"When I learned that it will be used for the education of the children which is one of my advocacies, I said I will just donate a portion of the land, maybe around 300-square-meters to the local government. They can use it anytime, any day as long as it is for the day care center which our mayor has been telling the public," he said.
'No cases, just peace'
Mallari also said that he will not be filing anymore cases against Alejandrino and the local government for forcibly seizing the property, which he was given rights before he sold it.
He said he does not hold any grudge against the mayor and is willing to make peace with him for the sake of the people who elected them.
"This position was only lent to us by the people so let's make the most of it by serving them instead of attacking each other," he said.
'Give back government-owned lot, not donate'
But Alejandrino asked Mallari to give the land back to the local government, insisting that the property is owned by the local government as it encroached the four-hectare Small Water Impounding Project.
"Why are you donating the land to the owner? Give it back to the local government," he told Mallari.
"Why should we accept a portion if we own the whole property? It belongs to the local government, to the people of Arayat so it must be used for them. Stop playing your game and give back what is due to the people," he added.
'Talk to me'
He said he will issue a notice to vacate to Mallari next week and will give leeway for the latter to remove his belongings.
If Mallari does not cooperate, the mayor warned that a case will be filed against him for alleged illegal occupancy and building an illegal structure.
"He built a resthouse there without securing a building and construction permit and that is illegal. If he continues to defy, we will be filing a case against him," he said.
Alejandrino also asked Mallari to stop attacking the local government, which he is part of, and instead help in the development of their municipality.
"You were voted in by the people to help bring progress in our town, not besmirch its reputation. Instead of talking to the media, why not talk with me? Our offices are a wall apart, talk to me," he said.