City targets illegal structures in parking areas

CEBU, Philippines - Many illegal structures intended for some entertainment activities were destroyed by the Cebu City Hall personnel in various places in the city because they were constructed in areas that are reserved for vehicle parking.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña explained that while he welcomes the holding of entertainment activities in the city, he cannot afford to allow the producers to do it in areas that are originally intended for parking space of the various commercial establishments.

The mayor was reacting to a complaint by one of the affected persons, saying that the city seems to be declaring a martial law against entrepreneurs doing business during Sinulog.

The complaint said “badly hit areas include the stretch of Mango Avenue, IT Park in Barangay Lahug and even Ayala stage, selling booths taken down despite event permits issued by City Hall. Outdoor special events, concerts risked being cancelled despite the arrival of national and international stars as venues ordered destroyed.”

Vicente Mercado, head of the City Hall’s Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division (SPEED), said his men were augmented by the personnel of the Department of Public Services and city treasurer’s office in clearing the streets of illegal structures.

Osmeña said only those establishments that illegally use their parking areas for commercial purposes have been affected by his order.

In a text message sent to The FREEMAN, the mayor said “only those who use their parking lots for concerts are affected. It is illegal to use parking lots for non-parking purposes, especially during the Sinulog where I warned that the traffic would be horrible. Imagine, attracting people to a concert and forcing them to park their vehicles in the street?”

“I am going to aggravate the hardship of a million visitors to satisfy a few celebrities. Should public welfare be set aside? You think I will not be criticized by these same political animals if I would take two hours to pass General Maxilum avenue because all the parking lots are closed for concerts?” he added.

Because of the mayor’s order against the illegal structures, a lesser number of vehicle trailers owned by some business owners were used as bleachers on the carousel route during the Sinulog grand parade. — Rene U. Borromeo  (THE FREEMAN)