PHOENIX PETROLEUM’S newly opened branch in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City is now certified to be suitable for occupancy.

After nearly two years, the Office of the Building Official issued the certificate of occupancy to Phoenix on Monday afternoon, Nov. 19.

Lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna, the management’s legal counsel, confirmed the development Monday night with SunStar Cebu through a phone interview.

“If there was no issuance today (Nov. 19), all the three cases would be filed tomorrow or the succeeding days,” he said.

Last Nov. 17, dela Cerna said Phoenix drafted for filing several complaints against persons involved in allegedly withholding the issuance of the necessary documents for them to operate.

No business permit

These included a criminal case in violation of Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Act, and administrative cases before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Earlier, City Attorney Joseph Bernaldez said he recommended the withholding of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy since Phoenix was involved in a pending case.

The Court of Appeals, though, had reversed the injunction issued earlier by the Regional Trial Court.

“Dili ingon dili ipadayon ang mga kaso (We’re not saying we won’t push through with the cases), but we are just holding it off kay (because) City Hall still has yet to issue the business permit. We’ve already submitted and paid for everything, including the business permit. At least naay (there are) open-minded individuals at City Hall and doing what is right,” dela Cerna said. (RTF)