Wednesday, August 01, 2007 Nalzaro: Inept OBO officials By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
THE Office of the Building Official (OBO) in Cebu City is again remiss in its duty of strictly implementing the National Building Code and local ordinances on building construction. It failed to monitor work on the Asian College of Technology (ACT) building owned by Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa. ACT reportedly violated fire safety requirements and operated without an occupancy permit.
OBO could have detected the deficiencies, like the non-compliance of fire safety requirements, and could have immediately recommended corrective measures had it been closely monitoring the construction. But they slept on the job. Had media not exposed the problem, OBO officials would not have known about it.
Abellanosa, member of the Bando Osmeńa-Pundok Kauswagan, allowed the holding of classes from the fourth floor up. He argued that the floors of the 12-story building have been completed. Physical barriers also separate the students from the ongoing work. Finishing touches are being done only from the ground to the third floor.
Well, this shows Abellanosa is only concerned with his earnings and not with the safety of his students. Why jeopardize the safety of students and expose them to hazards like dust and fumes?
Councilor Abellanosa, you cannot reach the third floor without passing the areas where construction is ongoing. Physical barriers cannot stop dust and fumes from bothering people entering your building. Why not wait until the building is finished before holding classes and opening the other areas to concessionaires?
What about the required parking area? I know that City Hall is very strict on this. And why are students parking their cars at the nearby Eliabeth Mall? That is another violation.
I smell something fishy here. Was there collusion between Abellanosa and OBO officials? The councilor claimed he secured a partial occupancy permit from OBO. Is there such a thing? Who issued the permit?
OBO was obviously aware of the deficiencies but didn’t act on them because Abellanosa is an influential person and a political ally of the powers that be. Where is fairness there? Had Abellanosa been an ordinary person, OBO would have issued a cease and desist order.
The P10,000 fine imposed on Abellanosa is not enough. OBO should close his building pending completion of the construction.
