CEBU, Philippines - Barangay Dumlog captain Charles Basillote yesterday told The Freeman that cemetery owner Golden Eye Inc. cannot pressure barangay officials to issue a barangay clearance for the operation of a crematorium.
Basillote, however, clarified that his barangay is not anti-business but requirements and process must be observed.
“They cannot pressure us bisan nakapalit na sila sa maong equipment ug ila na ganing gibutang sa maong lugar still they cannot operate it yet until such time questions and protest have been resolved,” Basillote said.
The owner of Golden Eye Inc. must first secure an affidavit of endorsement from the barangay, as one of the requirements needed for its operation.
Section 152 (C) of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code states that “no city or municipality may issue any license or permit for any business or activity unless a clearance is first obtained from the barangay where such business or activity is located or conducted. For such clearance, the sangguniang barangay may impose a reasonable fee.”
Basillote said the council cannot give any endorsement if there are protests and opposition from residents.
“Even if there is only one that opposes or protests, we cannot give any endorsement,” Basillote said.
At least 109 residents living a few meters away from the public cemetery in between barangays Poblacion and Dumlog have signed a petition which indicate their opposition to the crematorium.
Basillote said he has already received the complaint citing that the owner’s move was done without consulting barangay officials and residents and even went ahead with the construction of the crematorium without acquiring a permit from the government.
The owner of Golden Eye Inc., Dr. Andrew Quijano, remains mum on the issue. (FREEMAN)