Mayor urges immediate action on perimeter fence blocking water flow

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has called on Aznar Basque Properties to take immediate action in removing a perimeter fence that has allegedly obstructed the water flow in Barangay Hipodromo, causing flooding in nearby areas.

The move comes as the approval of a compromise agreement between the Cebu City Government and Aznar Basque Properties remains pending.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, Chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, revealed in an interview with The Freeman on Sunday that Garcia had already negotiated with Aznar Properties, leading to the proposed agreement. According to Guardo, Aznar Basque Properties had initially offered to donate portions of their property to the Cebu City Government as part of the resolution process.

In a letter to the City Council, Garcia highlighted that multiple complaints from Barangay Hipodromo residents had been raised regarding the obstruction of a nearby creek. The Office of the Building Official (OBO) had previously issued a notice of illegal construction and a work stoppage order on February 4, 2025, followed by an inspection report on February 10, 2025, regarding the construction of the disputed perimeter fence.

The City Legal Office also issued a show cause order on February 13, 2025, requiring Aznar Basque Properties to explain the alleged violations. The mayor later conducted an on-site visit on February 17, 2025, where he met with affected residents and witnessed their concerns firsthand.

 Following this, I proceeded to inspect your property and confirmed that a large concrete slab had been placed in the middle of the creek within your property, effectively obstructing the natural flow of water,  Garcia stated in his letter to Aznar Basque Properties.

He emphasized that this obstruction had disrupted the water flow across the property, affecting M.J. Cuenco Avenue and ultimately leading to Mahiga Creek, exacerbating flooding in the area.

During discussions with Aznar Properties' representative, Architect Manuel P. Enriquez Jr., two potential solutions were proposed. The first involved diverting the creek's water flow using a culvert or drainage system that would traverse the property line and lead to M.J. Cuenco Avenue. The second option suggested installing a large concrete box culvert across the property to cover the existing natural flow of water, ensuring it reaches Mahiga Creek.

Given the need for technical evaluation, Garcia directed the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to conduct a survey and prepare plans to determine the most feasible solution. However, in the interim, he urged Aznar Basque Properties to remove the large concrete slab blocking the creek to mitigate further flooding.

Guardo said that the city had previously requested Aznar Basque Properties to voluntarily remove the obstruction. He also noted that the OBO had been instructed to enforce the cease and desist order issued last year regarding the construction.

 Ako sila (OBO) giingnan, naa man moy police power, you are mandated to issue cease and desist order  naa man gud na sa ilang authority,  Guardo said, reiterating that the OBO has the mandate to enforce the order.

The issue was initially brought to the City Council s attention during Guardo s privilege speech on February 11, 2025. The council then urged the executive branch to take action against the blockage of a natural waterway in Sitio Caripa, Barangay Hipodromo, which had been identified as a contributing factor to flooding in the area.

A petition had also been filed against the alleged illegal construction of the perimeter fence, which was assessed to be obstructing the natural water flow from a creek in Sitio Caripa that passes through the property of Aznar Basque Properties. (CEBU NEWS)