DPWH seeks COA’s nod to demolish bldg

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has sought the opinion of the Commission on Audit (COA) over the Cebu City’s plan to demolish the unfinished multi-purpose building of Barangay Cogon-Ramos after it was found to have violated the three-meter easement.

The building already had a final notice of demolition by the Cebu City government through the Office of the Building Official (OBO) with Ramil Ayuman, special assistant to Mayor Michael Rama, assigned to look into it.

The building was a project of the DPWH through the initiative of the late congressman Raul del Mar of the Cebu City North District.

Documents show that the multi-purpose building, which costs P1.9 million, was first issued a notice of violation on June 28, 2017 and followed by a second notice from OBO on December 15, 2017 while the third and final notice was issued on January 8, 2018 yet.

Now, the current officials of the said barangay have agreed to the demolition, but DPWH representatives who were also present in the meeting last Friday afternoon said they will seek COA’s opinion on this matter since the building had not been in use yet, Ayuman said.

“Ila (DPWH) pang gi-refer sa COA for inspection and assessment kay wa man gyud na magamit kay wa man gyud na magamit, kay wa pa man pud na natiwas,” said Ayuman.

While awaiting COA’s opinion, Ayuman said he, alongside acting barangay captain Inday Besabella, will be forming a technical group to further discuss the city’s plan in the area including its old barangay hall.

“Akong gi-propose ni Kap Inday nga mag-form mig technical working group para maoy mo-coordinate sa city sa plans..Ako man siya giingnan nga mao man nay site sa future City College, kinahanglan, mo-blend gyud na sa city college, naa pa may ka-transfer-ran sa uban like day care center ug uban pa although naa pay mabilin sa old na structure,” Ayuman added.

But as for the unfinished multi-purpose center, Ayuman said, it should go as it is a clear road obstruction. (FREEMAN)