Mayor confirms special order for new OBO chief

CEBU, Philippines — A leadership change at Cebu City’s Office of the Building Official (OBO) is expected to be in place soon following a special order issued by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The directive retrieved by The Freeman from the agency’s website shows that under Special Order No. 187, Series of 2026, DPWH Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon designated Architect Ann Ruby S. King as Acting Building Official of Cebu City.

“In the exigency of the service and pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1096 otherwise known as the National Building Code of the Philippines and its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations, AR. ANN RUBY S. KING is hereby designated as Acting Building Official of Cebu City,” the order dated May 21 states.

The order is said to “take effect immediately and will remain enforced unless revoked, withdrawn or cancelled by the Secretary.”

Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed the special order in an interview, saying the installation could happen as early as next week.

“Basin next week na siguro na,” he remarked, signaling that the transition could take place soon.

Archival admitted he knows the designated official “in a way” but was not privy to the internal issues at the OBO that led to the appointment of a new in-charge.

He disclosed that months ago, DPWH had asked him to submit names for possible building officials, prompting him to list three candidates from among the city’s organic personnel. He did not mention his recommended names and whether King is one of them.

Archival said he has already received the directive but is still studying its implications.

“Nakuha na na nako ron… tan-awon pa na nako noh… No comment pa ko ana, klaruhon pa nakog unsa ni,” the mayor said, adding that while he is aware of the designation, he wants to clarify the circumstances surrounding the order.

Asked about the implications for incumbent Building Official Florante Catalan, Archival said he is waiting for his team’s recommendation.

“Wala pa ko… waiting pa ko sa team ba kung asa siya ibutang,” he noted.

Catalan, meanwhile, said he will just await the mayor’s decision on the matter.

“Huwat lang ta sa decision sa atong mayor kay naa na man na diri… depende niya,” he said in a separate interview.

He acknowledged DPWH’s authority but explained that it applies only when the position is vacant.

“Ani ni siya, ang pag-designate og local building official sa LGU, tinuod ang DPWH, but with the request of the LGU if wala pay nakalingkod… unya naa naman ko diri, naglingkod naman ko diri,” Catalan stressed.

He said he is wondering how the order was processed, pointing out that his appointment had already been confirmed by the Civil Service Commission and the Cebu City Council.

“I dunno giunsa na paglusot didto, nganong niabot diri… pero depende ra niya… confirm naman ta sa Civil Service ug confirmed pud ta sa Sangguniang Panglungsod… I dunno nganong nag-issue ingon ana nga naa naman ta. Take note ha, this is my item, permanent,” he added.

Catalan then told The Freeman that he would only comment further or decide on his next move once the order is implemented.

Under his leadership, the OBO has elevated its standards and introduced innovations such as the electronic building permit application system and streamlined inspection processes, which earned Cebu City recognition for improving transparency and efficiency in building regulation.

These reforms reduced processing time and enhanced compliance monitoring, with the city government receiving awards for modernizing its permitting system. — /MRM (FREEMAN)