OBO to look into establishments putting up “unsafe” barriers

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has requested the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to inspect establishments along roads and highways to ensure that there are no obstructions fronting their businesses that pose danger to pedestrians.

This was approved through a resolution filed by Councilor Jose Lorenzo Abellanosa that was tackled during the regular city council session last Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

In Abellanosa's resolution, he noted that some establishments have been putting up ropes or chain barriers that extend and "encroach" on the sidewalks.

"These barriers not only hinder or inconvenience pedestrians but endanger them as well, as they are forced to walk over them or avoid them altogether by walking on street gutters and sometimes on the road which can very well be the cause of accidents," said Abellanosa in his resolution.

In line with this, the councilor emphasized the need for OBO to inspect business entities immediately, which report is requested to be submitted within 15 days.

They are also urged to take the appropriate and necessary actions to address such problems if they encounter this during their inspection.

Meanwhile, in another resolution, Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon has filed a resolution that also urges OBO to apprise the City Council on the investigation on the incident involving a four-year-old boy who fell from a high-rise condominium earlier this month.

Representatives from the condominium developer, the administrator and condominium management of Median Condominium on La Guardia Extension, Brgy. Lahug, have also been asked to provide the result of their respective investigations in an executive session.

In Gealon's resolution, he said that the incident raises numerous issues on the safety of residents hence an executive session is necessary to prevent the same incident from happening again.

The said resolution will be up for discussion and approval before the city council this coming Wednesday, April 24, 2024 during the regular session. (CEBU NEWS)