THE Office of the Building Official (OBO) has said it has issued multiple notices of illegal construction against Mang Inasal for encroaching on a sidewalk along Osmeña Blvd. and F. Gonzales St., Barangay Santo Niño, Cebu City.
In an endorsement letter submitted to the City Council on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, OBO head Florante Catalan said the matter was already endorsed to the City Legal Office (CLO) as the OBO lacked authority and personnel to file cases against the establishment.
Catalan said the CLO acted on the matter by issuing a legal opinion recommending enforcement action such as a cleaning order.
During the session, Majority floor leader Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera moved to furnish copies of the notices to incoming officials of the 17th Sangguniang Panglungsod.
In his letter, Catalan said the matter is already beyond the jurisdiction of the OBO after it was referred to the CLO.
“The case is now beyond the jurisdiction of OBO and is under the legal authority and appropriate action of the City Legal Office and the Office of the Mayor,” read a portion of the letter.
Catalan further explained that the OBO staff is composed of technical and administrative personnel such as architects, engineers, officers and aides.
“Legal representation of the City Government lies with the CLO,” said Catalan.
The OBO issued the clarification after Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. raised his concern over the sidewalk encroachment by Mang Inasal during a public hearing held to discuss the City’s Zoning Ordinance.
Alcover expressed frustration over the lack of progress regarding the matter, since he first raised the issue against the establishment way back in 2016.
Alcover questioned why the establishment seemed “untouchable” despite years of complaints, which forced pedestrians to walk on the street.
He also raised the possibility that the business may not be paying the appropriate taxes without a building permit.
Meanwhile, sources said outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has handed over to Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros the responsibility to address the long-standing issue of the Mang Inasal branch.
Garcia, who is currently on leave, said he has not issued a demolition order and has deferred the matter to Hontiveros.
However, Hontiveros said on Monday, June 16, the Mang Inasal sidewalk encroachment issue was not raised during their most recent weekly department heads meeting. / JPS