Capitol demands rental from utility companies

CEBU, Philippines — For “illegally” occupying Capitol-owned properties along Osmeña Boulevard, the Cebu Provincial Government is demanding utility companies to pay rent from the time they started using the lots.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia made known the provincial government’s demand to the representatives of Visayan Electric Company (VECO), Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), and telecommunication companies during a meeting at the Capitol yesterday.

Sugbo News, Capitol’s official news portal, reported that VECO president and chief operating officer Raul Lucero expressed readiness to pay the demanded compensation.

Visayan Electric had their utility boxes and electric lines buried underground in both sidewalks of Osmeña Blvd.---from Fuente Circle all the way up to Capitol Compound area.

According to the power utility firm, at least 10 utility boxes were installed on both sides of Osmeña Blvd., with 1,167.60 meters of underground electric lines occupying a total area of 350.28 square meters.

Lucero apologized to the governor, adding that they believed that the lot they were occupying had road-right-of way, them being portions of sidewalks beside a major thoroughfare in the city.

Garcia explained that only 20 meters in width was the original allotment. However, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that constructed the road violated this plan when it added four more meters in width for the road (two meters on each side) and six meters for the sidewalk (3 meters on each side), effectively encroaching on Capitol properties where the utility boxes now stand.

On the other hand, MCWD general manager Edgar Donoso said he will await the decision of their board on whether they will pay rent to Capitol or bring the matter to court.

MCWD maintains and operates one well station along the said road, a facility the agency has purchased from the old Osmeña Waterworks System. Telecommunication companies Globe and PLDT, which also sent representatives to the meeting, claimed that they no longer have utility boxes along Osmeña Blvd., much more communication lines.

These were allegedly relocated in 2014 when the Cebu City government passed an ordinance ordering utility lines to be buried underground for aesthetic purposes, as well as for public safety and convenience. /FPL (FREEMAN)