“We didn’t cause water obstruction”

CEBU, Philippines — One of the establishments beside Mahiga Creek in Cebu City insists it has no violations in relation to three-meter easement and instead pointed to the increasing number of informal settlers as having caused problems with the flow of water in the area.

In a response to the final notice sent by the Cebu City government’s Task Force Gubat sa Baha through north sector river commander Aderson Comar last May 24, Prince Court Hotel reiterated their point raised to the Office of the Mayor last December 9, 2022.

The notice serves as the owner’s last chance to voluntarily clear the structures built within the three-meter easement. If the owner ignores the notice, the city government will push through with clearing operations.

Prince Court accordingly has been in existence for decades now and has been granted the necessary permits. The drive-in hotel’s legal counsel, Atty. Ma. Dyna Pescante, also pointed out that there was no problem in the past regarding the flow of water at the creek. But she said the number of informal settlers increased around the area and their indiscriminate disposal of garbage caused the problem in recent years.

Aside from that, it was also pointed out by the said establishment that “given the value of the structure which is more than the threshold amount of ?300,000 as set forth in Paragraph 4, Article 704 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines, abatement of the structure without judicial proceedings would be violative of the law”.

With this, they are hoping for the task force’s consideration on the matter while saying that they will continue to follow rules and regulations to help solve the flooding in the area.

On the other hand, the owner of another structure violating the three-meter easement, FLC Building, expressed its commitment to comply with the city government’s initiative for environmental protection and public safety, but said it lacks the financial resources necessary to undertake the demolition on its own.

“Given this situation, we would like to inquire if there are any available government or funds that could assist us in covering the costs associated with this process,” FLC’s Felipe Chan said.

Chan has also sought guidance on the specific steps and requirements involved in the process to ensure that demolition is carried out correctly and in accordance with all regulations.

They also hope that all affected parties will equally comply with the directive to the overall success of this important project.  (CEBU NEWS)