A CANDIDATE for congressman of Cebu City's North District claimed the current administration of the Cebu City government is blocking his plan to organize a free concert on Thursday, May 9.
But a city official said businessman and actor Richard Yap still needs to secure a special permit from City Hall even if he is organizing a free concert.
Yap, who is running for congressman of Cebu City's North District under Barug PDP- Laban, said he was supposed to bring his cast mates from his old television show "Be Careful With My Heart" for a free concert at the IC3 Convention Center in Barangay Mabolo when he was surprised to learn that the venue managers have backed out from their commitment.
He was told by managers of the IC3 Convention Center that they decided to no longer allow him and his cast mates to hold a free concert after they were informed by the Cebu City government that their business permit could be revoked for allowing the holding of a concert without a permit.
The city reportedly sent a letter to the venue's managers regarding holding Yap's concert on Monday, May 6.
A day later, representatives from City Hall visited the IC3 Convention Center to talk to their managers concerning the letter they wrote earlier.
The venue's managers also told Yap that their refusal to hold his free concert might be related to the last free concert organized by the "Pulihi na, Cebu" movement.
In a press conference on Wednesday, May 8, Yap told reporters that the move made by the Cebu City government only shows the kind of administration that the city currently has.
"Its clearly harassment especially that my opponent is with their group," Yap said.
He also urged voters to stand up against the current city administration, especially those business and establishment owners who were reportedly harassed by their policies.
"If kinsa tong gidaog-daog, the best revenge is ayaw sila botari. It's time that your voices will be heard," Yap told reporters.
Though Yap denied the free concert was "political in nature," he admitted that it could be construed as such especially that he and his partymates will be there.
With no venue, Yap assured their free concert will continue but to be held in another place.
Separately, lawyer Yedah Ylanan, Cebu City's Business Permit and Licensing Office acting head, said the special permit is not something new and is not isolated to Yap’s free concert event.
Ylanan said the special permit is a crucial requirement under the city's tax code.
“Special Permits are very important when holding public events like concerts, processions or motorcades, and even discos in barangays,” Ylanan said.
She added that the city requires special permits from those organizing concerts to properly assess tax.
In cases of public events like concerts, the city government has to properly and rightfully assess the event in order for the government to file amusement tax.
If the event is for free, then they will be exempted, Ylanan added.
Another reason, Ylanan said, why special permits are required is for coordination with the police and Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).
“Given that there are a lot of attendees, we have to tap the nearest police station to assess and secure the safety of the venue during the event. Also, since there’s a possibility of heavy traffic around the area, we need CITOM to help ease the traffic” added Ylanan.
Regarding Yap’s allegations that the government asks for special permits even in private events, Ylanan clarified that they are not required in private, intimate events but only in public events such as concerts. (RDR)