Labella asks OBO to check structure at Guadalupe River

Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella wants the Office of the Building Official to determine the veracity of reports about an ongoing construction of a structure within the waterline of the Guadalupe River.

A concerned citizen brought the concern to the attention of the City Council, saying that five concrete posts have been built along a portion of the river, specifically across a riprap at sitio Ipil-Ipil in barangay Capitol Site.

Labella questioned why the posts were constructed at the said area despite the concerned citizen's report to the government agency tasked to determine if such construction is in accordance with existing laws.

"If the report is true, then there is strong possibility that the ongoing construction activity is not covered by a building permit," Labella said, adding that the structures were erected in a hazardous place.

The councilor then cited Republic Act No. 6541, otherwise known as the National Building Code of the Philippines, which mandates that the construction site of a building designed for human habitation or abode shall be at a safe distance from streams or bodies of water.

"There is no room to be complacent on this matter considering that aside from endangering the environment, public safety is recklessly put on the line by the alleged five concrete posts..." Labella said. - Cristina C. Birondo