SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Close to 600 homeowners of Villa Integridad Subdivision in Barangay Suklain, Arayat staged a peaceful rally on Monday, September 8, outside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol to press the provincial government for urgent intervention in their stalled land development project.
The residents, led by Villa Integridad Homeowners Association president Lino Vinuya, accused Arayat Mayor Jeff Luriz of blocking progress despite the subdivision project having been approved during the administration of former mayor Madeth Alejandrino. They said development work that had already begun was abruptly halted after the change in local leadership, with the recent closure of the subdivision office leaving nearly 600 families uncertain about the status of their properties.
Homeowners also alleged that their land rights are at risk because one of the project’s investors is tied to former vice mayor Sixto Mallari, a known political rival of Luriz. They claimed political interference has deepened their insecurity over housing and property rights.
Vinuya, speaking on behalf of the rallying residents, said their appeal to Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda is anchored on fairness and stability. He cited the newly passed Oversight Ordinance on Ease of Doing Business, which empowers the provincial government to supervise local government units. The ordinance has already been invoked in high-profile controversies such as illegal POGO operations and the entrapment of San Simon Mayor JP Punsalan for alleged extortion.
“This is not about politics,” Vinuya stressed. “We are simply asking that our rights as homeowners and taxpayers be respected and protected.”
Homeowners vowed to continue pressing their case until the province ensures their land and housing security. – JP MANALANG