Landowner objects to land compensation moratorium

“Is this justice?” asked a Saipan landowner yesterday as he expressed his disappointment over the Fitial administration’s plan to impose a moratorium on land compensation payments.

Pete B. Camacho, an heir of the late Juan N. Camacho, said that while he understands that the government faces a financial crisis, it should also consider the plight of landowners who have not been paid for several decades for lands taken from them.

Besides, the government had generated and continues to generate millions from their land, he said.

“I understand the financial situation. What we don’t understand is the treatment of landowners. Our lands have been generating revenues for the government for the longest time. It’s not a small amount; it’s several millions. Yet, we can’t be compensated. Is this justice? It’s simple common sense. You can’t just take anything without paying. That’s stealing. You can’t just take a sack of rice from the store. And this is land we’re talking here. You can’t just take people’s land without paying,” said a frustrated Camacho.

His family’s land in Tanapag and San Roque were taken by the government 40 years ago for right-of-way. It is being used now as the main highway to the north of Saipan.

Camacho earlier said that his family would resort to blocking the road if the government fails to pay them immediately. He said other landowners on Saipan would do the same.

Camacho’s family is seeking payment totaling over$800,000 for 1,792 square meters of land. Other Camacho heirs have separate claims in the adjacent lots.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said Friday that the government would have to impose a moratorium on land compensation for a lack of funding.

He cited that the land compensation bond money had been depleted. Of the $28-million fund, it is now down to only $88,000, the governor said.

The administration said a little over 100 landowners had benefited from the land compensation fund.

At least 193 other claimants have yet to receive compensation.

The $28 million fund was what was left of the $40-million bond money that the government had floated for land compensation in 2003.

Other funds were used for the prison project, interim financing, underwriters fee, and other costs associated with the issuance of the bond.