CH points out another CPA violation

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government claims that the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) has, among other violations, also privatized a road network that used to be a public-access roadway going to the port.

In a press conference last Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Cebu City Administrator Collin Rosell said there used to be a road network at the back of the Museo Sugbo, particularly the ML Quezon Boulevard that has now been allegedly closed.

"Ang kato mismong mga di na kaayo batan-on, mga hamtong na, maka hinumdom nga dan gyud na siya, paingon ngadto, manud gani diha ang mga jeepney ug ihatod ngadto, pero unsa may gihimo na hinuon mga dyes2x dira pirmi, musulod ka anang dalana, dyes2x man ka," said Rosell.

According to Rosell, the roadway has been locked down and has been privatized and is now used as a storage of cargo and as a parking space. He added that the area is reportedly in shambles and is a mess.

"Again, ang dalan diha kinahanglan maabli kay kanang dalan mao na siyay para sa katawhan so klaro na siya. Dili na tinuod nga duna na syay pag purwisyo ngadto kay diha raman nag operate ang syudad sa Sugbo nga gi clear na sya luyo mismo sa museo," added Rosell.

Rosell also disclosed that the portion does not have any existing sea vessels and that it is being used as a personal yard of the contractor.

"Tapos ang dalan gisira para ang mga contractor mao lang ang mugamit ang katawhan di kaagi, unya while di kaagi ang katawhan at least makadaginot ang contractor inig construct niya kay duol raman iyang yarda," he said.

Further, Rosell reiterated their stance that the CPA must follow the requirements mandated by the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to be able to resume construction of their port projects in the area.

In line with this, Rosell also denied the allegations that the city government has been blocking the CPA operations.

According to him, they are just imposing the regulations of OBO adding that the current construction of CPA does not have permits such as an environmental compliance certificate.

Rosell also called out those who are meddling in the ongoing legal dispute between the city government and CPA saying that the CPA is located within the jurisdiction of Cebu City.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Legal Lawyer Carlo Vincent Gimena said upon reviewing the charter of CPA in RA 7621, there is no provision that backs their claims that they have the authority to license, control, and supervise any construction of structure within their area.

"Ipa-cite kuno nila nag specific provision of RA 7621, asa na nga power?" he said.

He added that despite having been issued multiple notices for illegal construction particularly on the port extension of the Aduna Wharf, the CPA failed to address these.

“A public road is a property of a public dominion it should be of public used, therefore it is considered as nuisance man gani under our ordinance, Ordinance number 1481 states that if you put obstruction to the public road, it is considered as a nuisance and in fact, it warrants summary abetment,” he said. — (FREEMAN)