Mayor halts demolition of Pasil "public toilets"

CEBU - The scheduled demolition of the improvised “public toilets” in barangay Pasil was halted by Mayor Tomas Osmeña after Pasil councilman Leon Dakay, the reported owner of the toilets, asked that the structures not be demolished soon.

These “public toilets,” built on what seems like a small pier, serve as restrooms of Pasil residents that do not have toilets of their own. Patrons pay P1 for every use.

Vicente Mercado, head of the Squatters Prevention, Encroachment, and Elimination Division, said Osmeña personally called him and ordered that the demolition be deferred for 15 days.

Dakay reportedly told the mayor that the “public toilets,” although built illegally, have helped him meet his needs.

“Wala g’yod tay mahimo kay unsaon nga duna may hold order. Kami andam man g’yod kanunay,” Mercado said.

The Coastal Management Board has long been wanting to demolish the structures because they can be seen from the viaduct that leads to the South Road Properties.

But since Osmeña is scheduled to leave for the United States today and would most likely not return for the next 15 days, Mercado said it would already be up to Vice Mayor Michael Rama, himself the head of the CMB, to decide on the demolition once the 15-day grace period would lapse. – Rene U. Borromeo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)