Iloilo—Claiming ownership of the land, the Getuya family blocked the entrance to the old San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital, causing a stir in the local community and prompting intervention from Iloilo First District Rep. Janette Garin.
Garin was surprised when the Getuya family abruptly claimed that their donation of the 1,900-square-meter land to the local government unit (LGU) was revoked last year.
The land, originally donated by the grandfather of San Joaquin Vice Mayor Taba Getuya, was intended for public use. However, it is now reportedly titled in the name of Vilma Getuya, the vice mayor’s mother.
Despite the construction of a hospital extension, the old building remains essential, housing the Radiology Department and serving as the water source for the facility.
The congresswoman reported that the Getuya family has erected a cyclone wire fence and placed a “No Entry, Private Property” sign at the hospital entrance.
Unauthorized personnel, believed to be affiliated with the Getuya family and not with the LGU or the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), have been stationed to prevent entry to the old hospital. This action has obstructed LGU and WVMC staff from accessing the facility to repair the X-ray machine’s damaged bulb.
“This is unacceptable,” Garin asserted, emphasizing that the hospital is government property and should remain accessible to the public.
Garin, who stepped in to mediate, alleged that the Getuya family’s guards were intimidating LGU and WVMC personnel attempting to enter the fenced-off hospital area. She suggested that the family’s actions might be politically motivated, noting Vice Mayor Getuya’s rumored plans to run for mayor in the upcoming election.
“If the family wishes to reclaim the land, they must do so through legal channels,” Garin insisted, urging the family to seek a court decision on their claim.
First District Board Member Joan Germinanda addressed the issue in a privilege speech during a regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. She sought an inquiry into the conflict involving San Joaquin officials and the hospital.
The council unanimously approved the motion for an investigation, to be led by the Committee on Health and Sanitation, along with the Committees on Public Order and Security, Justice, Human Rights, and Good Government.