City closes 168 Hypermart for violation of ordinances

CEBU, Philippines – City Attorney Rodulfo Golez almost got axed yesterday after Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña blew his top for the latter’s failure to close down an establishment allegedly violating business and building codes.

Osmeña yesterday called Golez to explain why 168 Hypermart along V. Rama Ave. was operating without the necessary permits from business to locational clearance particularly in the provision of parking space.

Golez said that the establishment was already in the process of compliance and they had asked the Office of the Building Official (OBO) for certain considerations.

“If you don’t close the store today I want your resignation this afternoon,” Osmeña said.

Golez answered the Mayor that the city has already filed a complaint at the City Prosecutors Office and they might be committing sub judici should they make further action.

“Just because you file a case against this store so we can’t close it,” the mayor asked Golez.

The city attorney, in an interview after talking with the mayor, said they were closing the store yesterday afternoon and are withdrawing the complaint at the City Prosecutors Office.

When asked whether Golez can still keep his job, Osmeña said yes.

“But I just want to be strict on them, there is no sacred cow here,” Osmeña said.

City Planning and Development Officer Engr. Nigel Paul Villarete said, a joint team from CPDO, City Engineering Office and City Treasurer’s Office are constantly doing inspections on establishments for compliance of the city’s building and tax ordinances.

Villarete said they are constantly issuing notices of violations and most of these are acted upon.

Those who do not act in three months are referred to the City Attorney’s Office for action. The management of 168 was not available to comment on the matter.

The store was already close when The Freeman tried to get their side yesterday afternoon. — Ferliza Contratista/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)