CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan and Cebu Landmasters Inc. to attend a formal hearing on May 26, intensifying its investigation into the controversial Manresa property.

The hearing is part of an ongoing probe into whether the property—originally granted to XU through a 1958 government land concession—may be subject to forfeiture and returned to state ownership.

DENR earlier directed both parties to explain their proposed commercial development plans for the site, amid allegations that the project may violate conditions attached to the original grant under Section 70 of the Public Land Act, which critics say restricts commercial conversion.

Lawyer Ralph Metrillo, who filed the complaint, was also summoned to the hearing. Since 2024, he has been urging the DENR and the Office of the Solicitor General to review the legality of the development, insisting that the land remains bound by strict legal conditions.

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The DENR Central Office earlier ordered a full regional investigation, including the possibility of reverting the property to government ownership if violations are proven.

An overhead view of the Manresa property in Cagayan de Oro City, currently under investigation by the DENR for potential government land reversion.
Officials of Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan and Cebu Landmasters Inc. are under scrutiny as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources moves forward with its investigation into the Manresa property and the possible reversion of the land to government ownership. Photo courtesy of COPTA.

Metrillo welcomed the agency’s move, saying it reflects public accountability and the rule of law.

“As citizens, there is nothing more encouraging than seeing public officials act with urgency and fairness to protect the public interest and uphold the rule of law.”

At the center of the dispute is whether later laws allowing broader commercial land use can override the original conditions of the 1958 grant.

Metrillo stressed that while the law allowed XU easier access to the land, the institution remains bound by the original terms of the concession.

He also argued that subsequent laws and regulations permitting commercial land use do not override the original agreement.

“These later provisions apply only to transactions after the initial grant. Section 70 is a special provision that takes precedence over a general one. Since XU is the original grantee, the rules that applied in 1958 remain fully in force today.”