11 store owners charged for encroaching sidewalk

CEBU, Philippines - Eleven store owners will be facing complaints before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office for allegedly encroaching the sidewalk along B. Rodriguez Street, Cebu City.

Mariano Po of the Cebu City District Engineering Office filed the complaints for violation of Section 23 of Presidential Decree 17 otherwise known as the Revised Philippine Highway Act against 11 store owners.

 “In one of my routine maintenance inspections, I found that several stores and eateries along B. Rodriguez St., Barangay Sambag II, Cebu City, have encroached the sidewalk of said road, which is among the portions of road right-of-ways being maintained by the DPWH,” read the affidavit of Po.

 Po said as chief of the Maintenance Section, he is tasked to maintain the condition of the national roads and highways, including the removal of obstructions, encroachments and/or prohibited uses thereon in accordance with the mandate of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

 The Cebu City District Engineering Office filed complaints before the Prosecutor’s Office against Rogelio Banate, owner of Rogelio’s eatery; Rodriguez Foodhauz, represented by its owner, Luciana Chavez; ARJ Store, represented by its owner, Josephine Baya; Mely’s Store, represented by its owner, Carmelita Bacatan; and Ricky Store, represented by its owner, Ricky Ferrarin.

The other establishments are: Helen’s Eatery, represented by its owner, Helen Flores; Nora’s Eatery, represented by its owner, Leonora Liston; Monica’s Store, represented by its owner, Monica Regis; Palao’s Eatery, represented by its owner, Berting Palao; Tessie’s Special B-B-Q, represented by its owner, Tessie Tañola, and EMI Store, represented by its registered owner, Emi Tambiga, all situated along B. Rodriguez Street.

 Po alleged they filed complaints against the said stores/eateries because they continued to encroach the sidewalk despite warning.

 “…because it is usurping and obstructing the sidewalk along B. Rodriguez Street, Barangay Sambag II, Cebu City. It has converted the sidewalk for its personal interest at the expense of the pedestrians and the general public,” the affidavit further read. (FREEMAN)