Ombuds mum on ‘legality’ of clearing ops

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas has refused to provide legal opinion on the “legality” of the clearing operations the Cebu City executive department is implementing.

Deputy Ombudsman Paul Elmer Clemente said the anti-graft office only rules to resolve criminal or administrative case.

“The Ombudsman does not issue any opinion or ruling over a particular dispute or question, except during the occasion of resolving a criminal or administrative case,” Clemente said.

Last June, the City Council requested the anti-graft office and the Commission on Human Rights-7 to review the move of the city’s executive department to “clear” the houses on F. Ramos Extension in Barangay Capitol Site and a sidewalk on N. Bacalso Avenue.

After Clemente’s statements, City Councilor Alvin Dizon challenged the “victims of inhumane demolition” to file appropriate charges against the people who violated their human rights.

“Mas maayo man gud nga sila ang mo-file kay lain man gyod kun politiko ang mo-file. Dapat, atong i-empower atong mga tao nga mobarog sa ilang katungod,” Dizon said.

The City Council endorsed the position papers, complaints, and letters to the anti-graft office. These documents, executed by Our Mother of Perpetual Help parish priest Cris Mostajo; the Kaabag sa Sugbo; and Mariter Gader of Akbayan-Cebu City, express their disappointment on what they termed as “unjust” demolition of houses along F.  Ramos Extension.

At least 27 alleged illegal structures of over 40 families along F. Ramos Extension were cleared in June. In the same month, the city cleared the stalls of over 100 vendors on a sidewalk at the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

The demolitions were executed by City Hall’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement team (PROBE).

The other documents forwarded to the anti-graft office were resolutions of Barangay Capitol Site “condemning the degrading act” and “abuse of authority” of PROBE chief Raquel Arce, as well as a position paper of the members of the United Small Vendors of Cebu City.

PROBE personnel removed vendors’ stalls allegedly built illegally along Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Leon Kilat Street, and Sanciangko Street. — Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/JMD (FREEMAN)