5 OBO employees ordered to explain role in fencing permit issue

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Five regular employees from the Office of the Building Official (OBO) have been issued show-cause orders for their alleged involvement in the issuance of a fencing permit tied to an illegal structure that obstructed a major waterway in Barangay Villamonte.

Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed the development Monday and said the personnel — mostly engineers — are required to explain their roles in processing or facilitating the permit, which was linked to a fence built along Sulom Creek.

The illegal structure caused the creek to become shallow and constricted, increasing flood risks for nearby residents.

A cease-and-desist order has since been served to the private property owner responsible for constructing the fence within the easement zone.

“They have five days to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against them,” Gasataya said.

The employees are also being investigated for allegedly receiving documents on behalf of private applicants — a practice strictly prohibited for city personnel.

Gasataya said more cease-and-desist orders are forthcoming, as the city continues to validate reports and complaints regarding illegal structures.

So far, three CDOs have been issued as part of the city’s effort to clear obstructions along critical waterways.

“These are part of our ongoing inspections. Once the documentation is complete, we immediately issue the CDOs,” he said.

The inspections have uncovered various encroachments, including tamborong installations, box culverts, and houses built along creek lines.

In the same press conference, Gasataya reiterated his appeal to business owners not to deal with fixers when applying for permits.

“We are appealing to our businessmen in Bacolod. The city is doing its best to put the business application system in order. You no longer need to go through any fixer — go straight to the city,” he said.

He warned applicants against trusting anyone who offers to “take care” of their permits.

“That should already be a warning sign. Many businesses have suffered because of these schemes. We are protecting our businessmen from falling victim. If you rely on a fixer, you’re the one who will end up at a disadvantage,” he added.

Gasataya urged the public to use the online application system, which limits human interaction and enhances transparency.

Under the system, applicants file online, receive a QR code, and submit their printed documents in a designated drop box.

“If requirements are lacking, the city notifies them. The system is designed to make sure applicants don’t know who is processing their papers,” the mayor explained.

“When we allow face-to-face processing, that’s where most of the problems begin,” he added.