THE Department of Justice (DoJ) will soon build a six-storey building to house its offices in Davao City following the signing of an agreement for the use of a property owned by the local government. DoJ Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio sealed a   Contract of Usufruct last week for a 500-square meter lot beside the gymnasium of the Hall of Justice building, where Regional Trial Courts are located.   “I am very grateful to the city government of Davao that we can now have our own building here in Davao City,” Mr. Aguirre said, noting that most of the DoJ offices, such as those of the Public Attorney’s and Prosecutor’s, are currently renting space in different locations. “I hope that the property will be put into good use and through this partnership, we will be able to help you do your work better,” Ms. Duterte-Carpio said. The city government’s gesture in allowing the DoJ to use the land shows the city’s readiness and willingness to help the national government. The lot is presently occupied by illegal settlers, but the city government has already won the case it filed in court. The officials said construction of the DoJ building is planned to start this year and completed by 2019. — Carmencita A. Carillo

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