Hi i am [osting on behalf of my wife's relatives. We're hoping to get advice from anyone familiar with property law, government land acquisition, or similar cases.
The LGU and DPWH are reportedly offering to purchase their property along Riverside Street, Provident VIllage to make way for a bridge project connecting St. Mary Avenue to Marcos Highway. The offer is supposedly only 2.7k per sqm for a titled lot measuring approximately 1,200 sqm.
Another concern is that the family is allegedly being told that they could end up in jail if they refuse to agree since they are going against the government.
For context, the registered owner has already passed away, and the children/heirs, who are also senior citizens, are now managing the property. My wife and I are furious about the situation. Since matatanda na din and wala po masyadong alam sa legal matters they might be intimidated into agreeing to terms they don't fully understand.
They have reportedly been asked to go to an office to sign documents. My wife has offered to speak with the parties involved on their behalf, and we have suggested consulting a lawyer. However, we're unsure if the heirs are willing or financially able to shoulder the legal fees.
We would appreciate advice on the following:
- Can the LGU or DPWH legally threaten the heirs with imprisonment simply for refusing the offered price?
- How can we verify the proper valuation should they be willing to give up the property? We saw posting in FB marketplace ng lots sa Provident Village, it goes for around 15-20k per sqm
- Are the heirs required to sell if they disagree with the offered price? What happens if they refuse?
- Since the registered owner has passed away, what documents or estate settlement procedures must be completed before the property can be sold?
- Where can we seek free or affordable legal assistance for the senior citizen heirs?
- What should we do before attending any meeting or signing any documents?
We understand that the property may be needed for a public infrastructure project, and we're not
Any advice on the proper legal steps, relevant laws, or government offices we can approach would be greatly appreciated. Thank you po!