Landowner Joaquin Bilbao yesterday described as "illegal" the order of Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles stopping him from blocking the highway in Barangay Pook, Hinobaan, putting up a toll gate, and collecting fees.

He said it is illegal because Arles did not wait for his position paper before coming out with his order, and did not require the Department of Public Works and Highways to come up with a bond.

Bilbao said he is asking Arles to judge the case on its merits.

He had charged a toll fee and closed the road because the DPWH failed to pay his family for their land in Barangay Pook through which the road passes, Bilbao said.

He also stressed that the toll fees he charged were registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and official receipts were issued.

He said he will file charges against DPWH regional director Rolando Asis and his lawyers.

Asis and his lawyer had no authority to file an injunction case or TRO without authority from the DPWH secretary of the solicitor general, Bilbao claimed.*CPG

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