Thursday, June 21, 2007 Council to look into construction inside City Central School
THE Cebu City Council yesterday tasked two of its committees to look into the construction of Kalubihan’s multi-purpose building inside the City Central School premises.
This after Sambag I barangay officials complained that the building encroaches their territory.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama said construction of the building inside the school was an “executive prerogative” and that it’s okay with him as long as it serves the purpose.
The building will house Kalubihan’s barangay hall and would include the school’s canteen, said City Council Augustus Pe, Jr.
He said the situation is similar to Barangay Busay’s multi-purpose building, which sits on a Province-owned lot within Barangay Apas’ territory.
In a resolution, Sambag I officials, led by Barangay Captain Jerry Guardo, asked the Office of the building Official (OBO) to issue a cease and desist order on the construction.
Attached to the resolution was a letter from OBO Antonio Sanchez certifying that his office has not issued any building permit for the construction.
A petition allegedly from the school’s teachers was also included.
According to the petition, the teachers object to the construction because it would compromise security, as people transacting business in the building would get inside the school.
Noted
Yesterday, the Council referred Sambag I’s resolution to the committee on laws, ordinances, public accountability and good government, and the committee on urban planning and development.
City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera asked that the committee on laws check for compliance with the Building Code and other City ordinances.
Sambag I first complained about the situation in February this year yet but the Council merely “noted” its letter.
In an earlier interview, Guardo said that while they acknowledged Kalubihan’s need to construct a multi-purpose building, they could not allow its construction in Sambag I’s territory.
“It would become a problem later on and we are accountable to our constituents. We really have to oppose that,” he had said. (RHM)
