First, let me start by saying that I support changing it together with a longer lease term. Second, there is nothing wrong in driving a BMW or a Rolls Royce after someone has purchased your land. I hope to have that opportunity one of these days. Yes, the thought of selling your land to drive a BMW is probably not a good idea but who are we to tell them that they are wrong?
I don’t think that was what Mr. Delgado meant about the BMW. I think he was referring to the fact that the people of Guam are driving a BMW because the real estate business is flourishing.
Let’s face it. People are still selling regardless of Article 12. And guess who’s buying? It is the locals that have money. And guess again how much they are buying it for? Cheapo, my good friends!
But having someone from the outside participate will certainly make a difference. I know of some good people that exchanged their property for a second hand car and some selling at a give-away price. It is these sad cases along with the poor economy and those concerns that were raised by Mr. Ricky Delgado, former Chief Justice Joe Dela Cruz, Mr. Efrain Camacho and others that prompted me to reevaluate Article 12.
I would now like to ask those who know the value in having a land to be considerate to those that need to sell. I think it’s about time that we allow others to do as they please. Those that don’t want to sell don’t have too.
Article 12 makes sense in the beginning but not anymore. Don’t you think we’re old enough to decide for ourselves? I love to respect other people’s opinion but this is not about respecting someone’s opinion anymore; it is what’s right and what needs to be done for our ailing economy. We must be mindful also that changing Article 12 will not bring back the rush of the eighties, but is a step in the right direction.
If anything, it is the homestead program that needs to be protected. The homestead recipients should be discouraged or prohibited from selling. The purpose of the homestead is to improve lives and that’s what our forefathers probably had in mind — you do not sell what is provided to you.
Again, those that know the importance of having land should not worry about Article 12. It is those individuals that need to sell or those landowners that can make huge financial gains that we should be concerned about. This is the difference in keeping Article 12. Let’s give them the chance to maximize and to allow the real estate business to flourish once again. I hope our leaders take a stance on this important issue. For an elected official to say that he/she is neutral on the issue is just playing politics or indicates a satisfaction with the present economic condition.
NICK SABLAN
Garapan, Saipan
