Byron twits lawyers vs. pay parking in Capitol

CEBU - Capitol consultant on security matters Byron Garcia yesterday laughed at the Cebu Lawyers for Unity and Brotherhood (CLUB) after it filed an injunction case over the collection of parking fees at the Capitol compound.

Also, CLUB wants the camera installed in front of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Building removed as they argued that its installation was intended for the “monitoring or prying on the movements, actions, utterances or conduct or on the privacy of the IBP officers and members”.

Byron said he respected their move to file the civil case but questioned the timing of the filing.

“I cannot understand their motives headed by the frustrated journalist Elias Espinosa and unexpired politician Edgar Gica. What can I say to Gica? He has always been anti-Garcia,” Byron said.

The group asked the court for the issuance of a temporary injunction order while the case is being heard, saying this will protect their right to privacy and “adequate facility to park cars and motor vehicles” in the Capitol compound.

But Byron said the governor already met with the officials of the IBP to discuss the parking fees. In fact, Byron said the governor already granted the request of IBP on parking privilege to some lawyers who have rendered legal service.

“It’s their right but as far as my office is concerned, the Cebu Lawyers for Unity and Brotherhood does not have any personality inside the Capitol,” Byron said.

It was the Provincial Economic Enterprise Council that set the fees for parking in the Capitol compound at P20 for the first two hours and P10 for every succeeding hour.

Regarding the camera, Byron said “if they want privacy, then they can go to the motel or hotel and lock themselves. You cannot hide privacy in public places.”

Byron pointed out that cameras are being installed all over the premises of the Capitol compound for security purposes.

CLUB named as respondents the governor, the Provincial Board, the chairman and members of the Economic Enterprise Council, the provincial treasurer, a local manpower placement agency and Byron Garcia. — Garry B. Lao/BRP   (THE FREEMAN)