Businesses defy easement law

CEBU, Philippines - At least two big establishments in downtown Cebu City may not heed the city government’s request to remove their structures that encroached into the three-meter easement zone of Estero Parian.

In a meeting yesterday, representatives of Colonnade Supermarket and Colonnade Mall said removing structures that reportedly infringed into the creek or dredging the estero may not be “feasible” because businesses will be directly affected and it entails a heavy work.

Lawyer Mark Avila, legal counsel of Colonnade Mall, said Colonnade Oriente along Colon Street has been erected since late 1800s before the easement regulations and provisions on river management took effect. 

The building was acquired by Don Jose Avila in 1920.

Avila said the council recommended that the private establishments remove waste in creeks along their respective properties, which they also disagreed with.

Three establishments, however, are willing to destroy part of their properties.

“Nagkasabot nami sa easement nga mobakbak na sila. They are very much willing to cooperate,” said  City Rivers Management Council  Chief Jose Daluz III.  (FREEMAN)