Self-identified whistleblowers, together with lawyers and alumni groups of Xavier University, have united to voice their opposition to the commercial development of the Manresa Campus.
In a position paper submitted by concerned lawyers and alumni, they condemned what they described as a clear violation of the original statutory conditions of the 1958 land grant from the government.
Attorney Ralph Metrillo explained that Xavier University has strayed from its mandate by favoring a joint venture with a land developer to transform the protected property into a commercial and residential complex.
He reminded the public that the 67-hectare Manresa property was entrusted to the university under Patent No. V-24766 at a subsidized value of ₱3,236.
The grant was issued under Section 70 of the Public Land Act (CA 141), which strictly required that the land be used exclusively for educational purposes as stated in the original application of the grantee.
The concerned XU community now finds itself at odds with Cebu Landmasters, the developer involved in the project.
