DPWH to Calamba captain: Act on encroaching shops

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways-7 called on Calamba, Cebu City barangay captain Maria Yvonne Cania-Feliciano to act on the encroachment of some business establishments on a national road.

In a letter, DPWH director Ador Canlas asked Feliciano to strictly enforce Presidential Decree No. 17, otherwise known as Revised Philippine Highways Act.

“In view of the foregoing, this Office would like to request for a strict enforcement of P.D. No. 17 by your office, in order to get rid these obstructions along V. Rama Avenue,” read Canlas’ letter.

Under the Local Government Code, it is the role of the barangay to serve as implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects and activities in the community.

Canlas said it has been observed that some vulcanizing shops, hardware stores and carwash stations are encroaching on V. Rama Avenue in Barangay Calamba.

The road is maintained by the DPWH-7.

Canlas said during inspection by DPWH-7 personnel, the owners of those establishments were able to show business permits.

But he said the issuance of the business permit may be ground for a violation of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

According to Canlas, such obstruction defeats the purpose of spending millions for the acquisition of right-of-way for the expansion of V. Rama Avenue.

The obstruction not only causes traffic congestion but also poses “security risks to motorists and pedestrians,” Canlas said.  

Earlier, Mariano Po, chief of the Maintenance Section at the DPWH-Cebu City District Engineering Office, filed a criminal complaint before the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor against six establishments that are allegedly encroaching on V. Rama Avenue.

Named respondents were JCC Car Wash, represented by Cesar Pelarca; Car Wash and Computer Machines, represented by Jaime Pahulas; M and J Bikers, represented by Harmin Hadjigaffor; Vulcanizing Shop, represented by Adelino Patigdas; Carwash represented by Jaime Cabiles, Jr.; and Evencia Carwash, represented Evencia Saavedra.

TASK  FORCE

For her part, Feliciano said the city government had formed a special task force last month that would clear V. Rama Avenue of encroaching small business structures.

The team, assisted by barangay officials, is composed of personnel from City Hall’s Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement and San Nicholas Police Station.

“Months ago, naghinay-hinay mi og pangguba sa mga naka-encroach nga mga gagmay’ng tindahan. Pero basin namalik sila pagtukod, we will have to check it then,” Feliciano said yesterday. — (FREEMAN)