Skip to content
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • RSS
Facebook Twitter Instagram
  • Home
  • Business
  • Social
  • Video
  • Money
  • Power
  • Property
  • Travel
  • Technology
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Food & Nature
  • Fine Works
  • Golf
Menu
  • Home
  • Business
  • Social
  • Video
  • Money
  • Power
  • Property
  • Travel
  • Technology
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Food & Nature
  • Fine Works
  • Golf
Search
Popular Tags Today:
William Gatchalian, Atlai Mining |
ENHYPEN |
Willie Revillame, Alltv |
Manny V. Pangilina, Metro Pacific Investments (MPI) |
Alice Eduardo
  • Home
  • Business
  • Social
  • Video
  • Money
  • Property
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Food & Nature
  • Fine Works
  • Golf
  • RSS
Menu
  • Home
  • Business
  • Social
  • Video
  • Money
  • Property
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Food & Nature
  • Fine Works
  • Golf
  • RSS

Bilyonaryo - Business

SC order snubbed? DAR stalls conversion of Johnny Litton’s Bataan estate into industrial zone

  • April 25, 2021
  • Bilyonaryo.com

By Nancy Carvajal

Bilyonaryo learned that the conversion has been stalled due to an order from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to distribute the land to farmers despite a Supreme Court ruling deeming the property unsuitable for agriculture.

The Samahan Ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Barangay Sumalo (SANAMABASU) has also vehemently opposed the development.

Residents of Barangay Sumalo, who now live on the 213-hectare disputed estate, have asked President Rodrigo Duterte in a letter to reinstate the land’s conversion into an industrial zone for their collective benefit.

“Ang pagkakaroon po ng Hermosa Ecozone at ang industriyalisasyon sa buong lalawigan ng Bataan ay isang napakagandang kaganapan para po matiyak ang maunlad na ikabubuhay ng aming mga pamayanan. Lahat kami ay hindi na pagbubungkal ng lupa ng Sumalo ang ikinabubuhay, kinakailangan magtrabaho sa labas ng Sumalo para itaguyod ang kabuhayan ng aming pamilya,” the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Bilyonaryo, read.

Records showed that the Office of the President, through then-Executive Secretary Ruben Torres, approved the entire Litton land for conversion into an industrial zone in 1997 since it would pave the way for more business opportunities, given its proximity to the Bataan Special Economic and Freeport Zone.

In the same year, the Department of Agriculture’s office in Region Three endorsed the Litton petition for land conversion and certified its eligibility on various grounds, including the poor quality of the soil for agricultural use.

The DA noted that 60 percent of the Litton property is considered shrubland/ grassland while the remaining 40 percent is utilized for residential, institutional, roads. It also reinforced earlier certification of the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO) of Hermosa, Bataan that the property is untenanted.

On January 31, 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that the Litton property was unsuitable for agriculture.

Citing the DA’s report, the tribunal said the Litton property is not only “best suited for purposes other than agricultural production, it is also observed that the only notable developments on the property are residential houses, roads and recreational facilities.”

However, in 2013, then-DAR Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes ordered the inclusion of the uninhabited portion of the land in the agrarian reform program because as it remained undeveloped.

Barangay Sumalo residents accused SANAMABASU and its leader, Rolando Martinez, of using various tactics to stop the land’s conversion.

“SANAMABASU is using underhanded legal and physical means to derail any move to develop the lands,’’ said Leopoldo Afable.

To fight the efforts of Martinez and other interested parties, the long- time residents of Sumalo had formed their own group to push for the land’s conversion.

“We pinned our hopes that the development of our barangay will greatly improve the standard of living of the residents, thus we appeal to President Duterte to listen to our pleas,” he said.

Afable said residents of Barangay Sumalo stand to benefit more if the land is converted into an industrial zone.

“We are all workers, not farmers. The land continues to be untillable, thus we have to work somewhere else to earn a living. But if the conversion order is implemented and development starts soon, we would be happy to know that the future of our young relatives promises to be better,” he said.

Bilyonaryo reached out to Bataan Representative Geraldine Roman to seek her comment on the issue, but she has yet to respond.

Martinez, however, insisted that the land conversion should not push through since Litton’s family did not develop the property within the five-year duration stated in the law.

RDC lawyer Alexander Flores maintained that the land owners started the development within the time frame indicated by law, but SANAMABASU has been slowing them down.

“How can the Litton’s start then, when in every turn of development, they are being harassed by Martinez and his men. Land surveyors and other workers were being harassed by Martinez,’’ Flores said.

  • Related News Tags: Department of Agrarian Reform, Johnny Litton, President Rodrigo Duterte, Residents of Barangay Sumalo
PrevPreviousDBP committed to blacklisting coal-fired projects
NextFashion designer Alber Elbaz, ex-Lanvin director, diesNext

You may also like

Bilyonaryo on CNN

Bilyonaryo on CNN

Veteran journalist Ces Drilon, with CNN Philippines President Benjamin V. Ramos, and officials of Prage Management Corp. sign a blocktime contract agreement for the airing of “Usapang Bilyonaryo” - a profile feature show starting January 16. -- CNN Philippines

Global Ferronickel hikes stake in Bataan port operator

Global Ferronickel Holdings (FNI) is raising its stake in a Bataan port operator.

Wildlife wipeout! Check out how William Gatchalian’s Altai Mining is destroying ‘Galapagos of Asia’

Using backhoes and other heavy equipment, the mining company owned by “Plastics King” William Gatchalian has turned a large portion of the island touted as the “Galapagos of Asia” from a resource-rich ecosystem into a barren wilderness.

Magbayad muna bago magsalita! Marcos’ appeal for Pinoys to pay correct taxes draws savage reactions

Netizens had a field day in mocking President Ferdinand Marcos after he appealed to Filipino taxpayers to pay the correct taxes so the government can fund important projects and programs.

Delimondo’s recipe for success: Katrina Ponce Enrile’s perseverance

Bilyonaryo Katrina Ponce Enrile had known all along that Delimondo was destined for success even if there were doubters.

Minnie Chua replaced as vice chairman, president of Victorias Milling

A top executive of Victorias Milling Co. (VMC) is leaving the Negros-based sugar company partly-owned by ultra bilyonaryo Lucio Tan.

Global Ferronickel hikes stake in Bataan port operator

Wildlife wipeout! Check out how William Gatchalian’s Altai Mining is destroying ‘Galapagos of Asia’

Magbayad muna bago magsalita! Marcos’ appeal for Pinoys to pay correct taxes draws savage reactions

Delimondo’s recipe for success: Katrina Ponce Enrile’s perseverance

Minnie Chua replaced as vice chairman, president of Victorias Milling

Afford nila yan! Marcos backs higher taxes on bilyonaryo swag

Jocel Panlilio’s Boulevard Holdings penalized by PSE for failure to comply with reportorial requirements

Kasuhan na yan! DENR junks Gatchalian’s bid to lease more land for Sibuyan mine, mulls filing of charges for damaging trees, marine resources

Ed Saavedra’s Megawide prepares for planned P1.5B preferred share offer

Read more Business stories

Recommended from sister websites

→ Abogado
Bawal mabagal! Jay Art Tugade orders 8 dealers to pay fines for delayed car, motorcycle registrations
→ Abogado
Kaka-Maharlika niyo ‘yan! Pimentel scolds Marcos Jr economic team for failing to keep inflation under control
→ Politiko
Marcos vows to bring home more investments from Japan
→ Politiko
‘Idol’ Raffy furious, says death of OFW Jullebee Ranara should be the last
→ Bankero
ING Bank Senior Economist says 50 bps hike now likely
Power

Energy industry must be part of climate fight, says COP president

The energy industry must play a role in the campaign to tackle global warming, the president of this year’s UN climate talks said on Tuesday, denying any “conflict of interest”.

Money

Inflation starting to slow but long, ‘bumpy’ road ahead: Powell

US inflation is starting to cool but the road ahead will likely be long and bumpy, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned Tuesday, adding that stronger-than-expected economic data could bring more rate hikes.

Business

Wildlife wipeout! Check out how William Gatchalian’s Altai Mining is destroying ‘Galapagos of Asia’

Using backhoes and other heavy equipment, the mining company owned by “Plastics King” William Gatchalian has turned a large portion of the island touted as the “Galapagos of Asia” from a resource-rich ecosystem into a barren wilderness.

Property

Florida presses bid to roll back Disney special status

Florida lawmakers on Monday introduced a bill that would allow the state to take control of the area around Walt Disney World that has until now been controlled by the entertainment giant.

Latest on Bilyonaryo

Usapang Bilyonaryo by Ces Drilon

Usapang Bilyonaryo
Bilyo-cnn-logo

“Usapang Bilyonaryo” is a digital-first, hybrid magazine show hosted and produced by veteran broadcast journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon in cooperation with the Bilyonaryo.com team. The 30-minute TV cut airs on CNN Philippines at 8 PM every Monday, starting January 16. The full version or producer’s cut of each episode, as well as interview splices, will be posted on Bilyonaryo.com’s Youtube and Facebook accounts.

 

ub-rlc-mobile
In cooperation with
bilyoabryo-rlc-2

Brought to you in part by

Share this!

Previous Episodes

Usapang Bilyonaryo | Ces Drilon interviews Santi Elizalde
Usapang Bilyonaryo | Ces Drilon interviews Edward Lee of COL Financial
Usapang Bilyonaryo | Ces Drilon interviews Frederick Go of Robinsons Land Corp

Exclusive!

Who’s Who at ART SG

January 12, 2023

Art SG kicked off today with art world legends and collectors showing up with extra vigor after a two-year delay due to the pandemic.

Read More »

Advertisement

Bilyonaryo Premium Ad 1
Bilyonaryo Premium Ad 2
Bilyonaryo Premium Ad 3
Bilyonaryo Premium Ad 4
Bilyonaryo Premium Ad 5

Trending on
Business

GOLD
Minnie Chua replaced as vice chairman, president of Victorias Milling

Afford nila yan! Marcos backs higher taxes on bilyonaryo swag

Magbayad muna bago magsalita! Marcos’ appeal for Pinoys to pay correct taxes draws savage reactions

PLATINUM
Luis Manzano tagged in Flex Fuel P100M investment scam but popular TV host denies involvement

Prized paintings not included: Crafty matron sells fully furnished Forbes mansion for over P3B

Roberto Galang out of TV5-Cignal: MVP revamps media arm for 5th time in 13 years

TITANIUM
NBI’s got receipts: Subpoenas to be served to firms over Lyka app owner Bren Chong’s P45-B tax scam

Tony Tan Caktiong dumps P150 million Jollibee shares as fast food giant nears 52-week high

Gaisano family’s MRSGI sanctioned for breach of PSE disclosure rules

Read more Business stories

Trending on
Bilyonaryo

Business News

Minnie Chua replaced as vice chairman, president of Victorias Milling

Social Fancy News

Nikki Huang enjoying coffee and pastry with this one

Money News

#MayOpeningDiyan! BDO recruiting new branch managers

Technology News

Globe 2022 profit jumps on asset sales

Power News

Aficionado, Takoyatea tap Meralco for solar rooftop projects

Property News

Higher rental income, stable operations lift Robinsons REIT 2022 profit

Lifestyle News

But wait, there’s more! New video of NAIA personnel getting up close with ENHYPEN emerges

Food & Nature News

Well done, Johanne Siy! Singapore-based Filipina is Asia’s Best Female Chef

Health News

Harmful pollution boosting superbug ‘silent pandemic’

Travel News

Pandemic to paradise: Chinese tourists return to Bali after three years

Golf News

La Salle, Ateneo win in intercollegiate event

Back to Bilyonaryo home page

Trending on
Bilyonaryo

Business News

• Minnie Chua replaced as vice chairman, president of Victorias Milling

• Afford nila yan! Marcos backs higher taxes on bilyonaryo swag

Social Fancy News

• Nikki Huang enjoying coffee and pastry with this one

• California days! Kris Ponce Enrile shares daily view in Mission Bay

Money News

• #MayOpeningDiyan! BDO recruiting new branch managers

• Rothschild family to take investment bank private

Technology News

• Globe 2022 profit jumps on asset sales

• SoftBank Group reports $5.9B third-quarter loss on tech slump

Power News

• Aficionado, Takoyatea tap Meralco for solar rooftop projects

• Alternergy’s scaled down IPO gets PSE OK, now seeks to raise P1.87B

Property News

• Higher rental income, stable operations lift Robinsons REIT 2022 profit

• Florida presses bid to roll back Disney special status

Lifestyle News

• But wait, there’s more! New video of NAIA personnel getting up close with ENHYPEN emerges

• Codebreakers find, decipher lost letters of Mary, Queen of Scots

Food & Nature News

• Well done, Johanne Siy! Singapore-based Filipina is Asia’s Best Female Chef

• SUKI Network facilitates farmers’ direct selling of onions

Health News

• Harmful pollution boosting superbug ‘silent pandemic’

• No new variants in weeks after China ended zero-Covid: study

Travel News

• Pandemic to paradise: Chinese tourists return to Bali after three years

• Hong Kong offers 500,000 free flights after Covid isolation

Golf News

• La Salle, Ateneo win in intercollegiate event

• Bayron, three others crowd TCC Invitational leaderboard

Back to Bilyonaryo home page

Copyright © 2022. Bilyonaryo. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Business
  • Social
  • Video
  • Money
  • Property
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Food & Nature
  • Fine Works
  • Golf
  • RSS
Menu
  • Home
  • Business
  • Social
  • Video
  • Money
  • Property
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • Food & Nature
  • Fine Works
  • Golf
  • RSS