For lack of permit: Stage construction for Wowowillie stopped

CEBU, Philippines - For failing to secure a permit, stage construction at Plaza Independencia for the noontime television show Wowowillie was stopped by the Cebu City Hall yesterday.

A City Parks and Playground Commission official said chairman Dr. Librado Makaraya stopped the construction following an absence of permit.

“Today (Thursday) lang gipa-stop but wa pa nako na-check basta ang guard on duty were ordered by Dr. Makaraya to stop the construction,” Parks Administrator Engr. Arlie Gesta told The FREEMAN.

Wowowillie, hosted by Willie Revillame, is scheduled to air on Saturday over TV-5 from Plaza Independencia, owned and maintained by the Cebu City government.

Page 5 under Section 4 (rules and regulations) of Cebu City Ordinance 2330, otherwise known as the Rules and Regulations in the Use of the Plaza Independencia, specifies that use of the area requires permit.

“Conduct or engagement of any activity inside the plaza whether by any person, government organization, non-government organization, people’s organization is not allowed, unless a permit to use the plaza shall have been priorly obtained from the Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission,” the Engagement of Activity paragraph of the ordinance stated.

Furthermore, Page 6 of the ordinance laid down fees especially for commercial events, including a “fixed amount of P10,000 or as determined by the Parks and Playgrounds Commission for a period of 12 hours” for movies and commercial advertisement, and another “fixed amount of P7,000 to P9,000 or as determined by the Parks and Playgrounds Commission for a period of 12 hours” for video and video documentaries.

Gesta said their office was not aware of an approved or pending permit application from the producers of Wowowillie.

“Yes, wala pa. As of 4 p.m. today (Thursday) nahuman na lang ang commissioners meeting. But I’ve heard nga gi-process pa. Wa ko kabalo kinsa nag process. As what has been discussed ganiha walay gi-submit nga application wala pud pending application. That’s why Dr. Makaraya ordered to stop the stage construction kay wala man gyud siya’y nadawat nga note,” Gesta said.

A city government employee who requested anonymity told The FREEMAN that he was able to speak with one of the personnel hired to construct the stage.

“Kadtong spot where the Earth Hour stage was installed. That’s the current site of the Wowowillie stage, but wider and bigger (tupong sa tawo ang height). When I asked the personnel, he said the stage will be used on Saturday, ‘for Willie and Mayor Rama,’” the source said, hinting that a Wowowillie episode will have the presence of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

The source added that the show will also celebrate the birthday of Team Rama north district congressional candidate and talent manager Annabelle Rama.

The FREEMAN tried to reach TV-5 Cebu officials for a statement on the matter through an e-mail but failed to receive a reply. — /LPM (FREEMAN)