On Tom's demolition order: Eatery owners threaten to file damages vs. city

Owners of four of the seven "carenderias" (eateries) located along B. Rodriguez Street, Capitol Site yesterday complained against a demolition order issued by Mayor Tomas Osmeña, saying they are contemplating on filing damages against the city government and indirect contempt against Ret/Major Vicente Mercado, chief of the Squatters Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division.

"Na-surprise gyud mi sa ilang gibuhat. Ambot nganong gi-demolish man mi nga gikaso pa man ni sa korte," Carolina Mangubat, who claimed to be a long-time vendor along B. Rodriguez, said.

The group of Mangubat tried to convince Mercado from implementing the demolition order, saying there is a pending case before RTC judge Sylvia Paderanga against the provincial government.

But Mercado reasoned out that aside from the demolition order issued by Osmeña dated November 14 for the alleged encroachment of said structures on the sidewalk, the move was also supported by a city council resolution seeking the demolition of illegal structures along B. Rodriguez Street.

"Wala man mi labot anang civil case sa korte kay ang among gipatuman dinhi nga demolition mao nga nilapas sila sa sidewalk, klaro kaayo nga ni-encroach sila sa five meters nga clearance gikan sa gutter," Mercado explained.

Barangay workers of Capitol Site and the Civilian Security Unit of the Provincial Capitol were around to support the activity.

Earlier this month, the city government reportedly already warned them that they will be demolished if the five-meter easement will not be followed. - Ramil V. Ayuman