Wanted: More parking spaces for new buildings

Finally, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña ordered the closure of that newly constructed establishment along Salinas Drive, which houses the Yo Latino Bar and Brescia Italian Restaurant, and another establishment because of violations of the National Building Code (NBC). That Yo Latino is owned by the children of Mandaue City Mayor Teddy Ouano has nothing to do with the problem there. I used to go to these two places, but then somehow the lot owner started constructing other buildings on the parking lot, so now there's little parking available for the customers of these establishments.

When I was running the Cebu City Traffic Operations and Management (CITOM) three years ago, Salinas Drive was already fast becoming a traffic problem. Many establishments were contented that CITOM had no night patrol at that time that would apprehend vehicles along this road even if it is clear that there is no parking allowed for the whole day. Cars were parked on both sides of the road and soon, Salinas Drive was snarled every night, until we put up a night patrol and started apprehending illegally parked vehicles.

Since then, most of the establishments there rented or bought properties and built parking spaces for their customers. Although more often than not, many vehicles still park along the roadside at night. This is why we're happy that finally Mayor Osmeña cracked down on those establishments that construct buildings for rent but do not provide a parking space for their customers. Surely by now, we Cebuanos know that establishments that cater to the public but do not provide parking facilities do not last very long.

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I have an emailed letter response from Mr. Jess Sevilla, which goes, "Hi Bobit: Let me share my unsolicited opinion regarding your column on Political Dynasties. It is difficult if not impossible to eradicate Political Dynasties. Everybody who is qualified and is interested for public office should be free to run and be voted upon by the people in an election.

Children often follow the profession of their parents due to their childhood exposure/gene. It is therefore no surprise if a father who is an Attorney will have children who will be taking the same profession as lawyers as well. Same, whose parents are doctors, businessmen, engineers, writers, composers, etc. often follow their parents.

Naturally, a child whose father is a politician often follows the footsteps of the father when he grows up and be a politician as well. Such is human nature. Be that as it may, the most effective way to solve the shortage of Catholic priests is for them to be allowed to get married. You can therefore expect their children to follow their footsteps, thus avert the shortage of priests. This will also solve the indiscriminate sowing of their wild oats and justifying their sexual misbehavior by saying "that they are only human"! So, let them get married, just like other religious denominations.

By the way, since you are well versed in the Bible, is there any written prohibition by God for priests not getting married? If there's none, then it's just a man-made prohibition or vow. A religious hypocrisy, no less. More power to you. Jess [email protected]"

I agree with Mr. Jess Sevilla about sons and daughters of politicians following the footsteps of their parents; after all, as we've said it clearly, politics in this country has become a family enterprise. But I don't agree with him on the argument of allowing priests to get married in order to avert the shortage of priests. I would rather have a few good priests, than many married ones who cannot focus their attention on their flock because the family must come first. If we allowed priests to get married, will the "collecta" we give to the church now be used to send their children to school?

Let me say it clearly that we're better off today having priests who cannot marry because we only need to solve the problems of priests who are sexually active. If we allowed priests to get married, who knows what problems lie ahead? Someday, we shall see a priest having one or two mistresses and then what? Will the wife go on the pulpit to expose her philandering husband/priest? I don't think we should do that at all!

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THE BLACKBOX: Here's text from our dear friend, Mrs. Therese Gonzales: "Hi Bobit, pls see what u can do re posting of Election Stickers/posters on Cebus' newly-painted walls and electric posts." I fully agree that we should put a stop to this type of legalized vandalism before things get worse!

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For email responses to this article, write to [email protected]. Bobit's columns can also be accessed at www.shootinginsidecebu.blogspot.com