CH says fire bureau will definitely be sued

CEBU, Philippines - The City Government of Cebu is determined to pursue the filing of a case against the Bureau of Fire Protection 7 following the allegations of its regional director, S/Supt. Ma. Luisa Hadjula.

In response to the letter to vacate sent by Hadjula addressed to Cebu City Medical Center chief of hospital, Dr. Gloria Duterte, City Attorney Jerone Castillo said the city government is left with no choice but to pursue legal means.

"This should not have reach a point of filing cases since both parties involved are from the government. But at the rate things are going, we will definitely be filing a case against them. We will fight this one for the city and our obligation to provide medical services to Cebu city," Castillo said.

In order not to be of an advantage to BFP, Castillo refused to divulge the case that the City Government is mulling.

Expressing confidence that favorable outcome will transpire, the city attorney pointed out that while the BFP compound lot is not titled, the Cebu city government acquired a tax declaration.

"I was able to talk to the BFP legal officer a few days after the earthquake and he admitted that they only hold journal voucher nga gihatag sa PC INP ngadto nila. But how can a journal be proof of ownership? It stated that the voucher has attached deed of donation but there is none," Castillo said.

He added that with this, "technically maglisud gyud sila."

The city official continued that the clear instructions from the mayor is originally arranged for temporary utilization of the BFP building and not eviction.

"But if they want assurance in writing that they can use the building again as soon as city hospital returns to normal operations," Castillo said.

Hadjula, in her October 26 letter addressed to Duterte, cited alleged  harassment by the city government and the possibility of disallowance from the Commission on Audit with BFP shouldering utility expenses for the temporary hospital.

"Based on the above cited reasons, we are formally requesting for your office to vacate the issued lot for the BFP to resume in the performance of our duties mandated by law," the letter read.

Rama earlier sent his demand letter to Hadjula saying they vacate the building for full temporary utilization of the building with ultimatum that will lapse November 9. — (FREEMAN)