OBO wants 2 abandoned buildings demolished

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Building Official (OBO) in Cebu City has advised the owner of two abandoned commercial structures located along D. Jakosalem St. in Barangay Parian to repair or demolish the buildings as soon as possible.

Building Official Florante Catalan said that this is to prevent future accidents that may incur damages and affect lives.

OBO conducted an ocular inspection in the area last January 5, 2022.

To recall, Councilor Raul Alcoseba, in a resolution last December 2021, requested the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and OBO to assess and make timely and necessary precaution considering the current state of the facade of the two abandoned buildings just across the side of the University of the Visayas (UV) at D. Jakosalem Street.

Alcoseba said the facade of the said buildings are apparently dilapidated and may be considered as a nuisance which may endanger the safety of pedestrians and commuters using the said area.

Catalan, in his letter to City Secretary Charisse Piramide last January 27, said that upon receiving the endorsement letter from the Sangguniang Panlungsod, OBO visited the site to check the status of the two abandoned commercial buildings.

“Upon inspection, it was verified that the abandoned buildings’ facade and interior structural members need to be renovated/repaired/demolished. The buildings can be considered as dangerous building,” read his letter.

Catalan said his office has sent a letter to the building owner to repair, if not demolish, the said buildings as soon as possible.

He said the buildings are owned by Philtrust Bank represented by Engr. Fundador Fernandez.

“As the enforcing body of the National Building Code or P.D. 1096, Section 215 Abatement of Dangerous Buildings states that ‘When any building/structure is found or declared to be dangerous or ruinous, the Building Official shall order its repair, vacation or demolition depending upon the degree of danger to life, health or safety,” read Catalan’s letter to  Fernandez.

“Hence, OBO advises you to secure necessary permits from this office before proceeding the said renovation/demolition of the said building. Also, please coordinate with Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) for the sidewalk enclosure when you start your renovation/demolition works,” he said.

Catalan said failure to comply shall cause their office to institute proper legal action and shall be endorsed to the City Legal Office for the filing of the case in violation of P.D. 1096.

He said this is also to avoid unnecessary problems and difficulties that may occur in the future. — FPL (FREEMAN)