Utility firms seek exemption from ‘obstruction’ ordinance

CEBU, Philippines —  Public utility companies are seeking exemption on the proposed anti-road obstruction ordinance in Cebu City.

The proposed ordinance that City Councilor Rey Gealon has authored seeks to impose restrictions on the use of road-right-of-way (RROW) and sidewalks in the city.

This is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, mobility of pedestrians, public safety, and general welfare.

During its public hearing in the City Council the other day, representatives from the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) had requested that they be allowed to continue operating and using portions of RROW and sidewalks, as reported by the City’s PIO.

Jan Mikhail Villarino, head of VECO’s power system design, said they hope to be exempted from the restrictions, particularly their operation, maintenance, inspection activities, installation of new poles, and distribution of assets, among others.

“There should be no obstruction for us to do our maintenance and operational activities in order to provide continuous electric service to our customers,” Villarino said.

PLDT Head of Operations Montano Opla also hopes that they will be allowed to continue operating their existing facilities that may fall within the restrictions in the ordinance.

PLDT though has an ongoing program that would involve pulling out all their equipment as they migrate from copper to fiber lines soon.

Gealon has assured that he will take into consideration all opinions from stakeholders and the other councilors, as he revisits his proposed ordinance.

Under the proposed ordinance, among the prohibited acts within RROW, alleys, sidewalks, pathways, parks, and public places in the city include the construction/establishment of dwellings and house or store extensions including installation of roofs and canopies, awnings, and the likes, and installation of a permanent or picket fence or gate, and parking of any vehicle not designated as parking space.

Any kind of job or occupation, display or selling any item, placing of signage, storing of soft drinks or wine/liquor bottles and cases as well as household appliances and furniture and junk and recyclables, construction materials and equipment are also not allowed.

The ordinance also does not allow carwash, the closing of sidewalks without securing sidewalk enclosure permits from the Office of the City Engineer, use of sidewalks to install pens of animals on chains.

The other prohibitions include conducting religious activities, such as preaching and seeking alms, setting up a basketball court, goal, or any other facility for sports recreation, holding parties, recreation and any kind of event, gathering or festivity, and drinking of liquor and beverage in those areas.

Following the public hearing, the proposed ordinance will be reintroduced to the City Council for final deliberation and approval.

Earlier, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama had already been giving instructions on the clearing of sidewalks for the sake of the pedestrians. — GAN (FREEMAN)