ILIGAN City ― Just when they were used to the "fact'' that the places they settled in were theirs, something "impactful" sprang on them. For, as barangay chair Joel Jumawan had revealed, a company called Ashley Calibre Realty Corporation claimed ownership of some over 440,000 square meters. Which included business establishments, dwellings, and other areas in San Miguel.

And they were made to vacate their areas, within 15 days, "or else."

That was in 2022, the barangay chair revealed.

They did not vacate, of course. Because, per the reckonings of the owners of such establishments as Crystal Inn, Redemptorist church, Merry Muffet, and even dwellers of Maria Cristina subdivision, there was no such company that owned their areas before they bought them from the family of Atty. Allan Sheker, who they knew as the owner of such areas they now are occupying.

The company though said that it was one Lucrecia Sacal who "owned" such and they have the papers.
Meaning, this Sheker man wasn't the real owner?

So, the barangay folks of San Miguel went to the Register of Deeds. And the claim of this company did not jibe with their findings as along with their claims were the maps of such areas. And they sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigations and police officers too when some representatives of the said company came over this early 2023 to "assert" the rights of the true claimant, the group of one Lucrecia Sacal who then lived in another barangay here, Bagong Silang. They say they won't take these claims sitting down, even hiring some lawyers to defend them. Atty. Manny Salibay, a former city councilor said that the company ''must go to court" first, if indeed they own these areas.

How will things like these develop then? With, not one but two claiming ownership?

This is just like the West Philippine Sea in which there are two claimants. And we know who these claimants are. Just recently, there was a near-collision course between these two countries! That is, per reports on the national scene.

As of now, it seems that said realty company, whose office per Jumawan's reveal is at Malolos, Bulacan, is content with just occupying, in the meantime, those "vacant" lots. I take this as those that have no structures over them. Meaning, they are backing out-- a little? In the meantime?

I talk of another "developing" story. During the labor day celebs, one Col. Roberto Cuyos talked about what Finance Sec. Benjamin Diokno had said. There must be some "adjustments" in the MUP or Military and Uniformed Personnel pensions. Because their pensions are taken from the national budget and they are not deducted from their salaries, unlike the other state workers. Or the employees from the private sector. If there's no action on this matter, the country might be in danger of "financial collapse." But Cuyos said it is easy for Diokno to say that because he (Diokno) himself has a six-figure monthly salary. Now, I take this as "shooting the messenger."

No president has touched on this matter because it is an "unpopular" move. This matter though will have to pass through Congress. And PBBM ''has control" of both of them. So, how will things like these develop?

These are interesting times indeed. Yet you too can call them weird-- or absurd. Take your pick!