BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas defended the Office of the Building Official (OBO) for issuing notices of violation to private building owners who violated Regulation Ordinance No. 2013-330.
In a press briefing, Treñas dismissed allegations that the OBO selectively targeted building owners displaying opposition candidates’ campaign tarpaulins on their billboards.
He stressed that the ordinance, which was passed during the term of former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and sponsored by former councilor Plaridel Nava, should be enforced impartially.
“If the law will not be applied to all, it should not be applied at all,” Treñas stated, underscoring the importance of fairness in the application of city regulations.
The mayor also disclosed that OBO has issued 16 additional notices of violation to other private property owners to ensure the law is enforced uniformly.
Businesswoman Elena Divinagracia, owner of the Emicon Building in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district, has criticized the OBO for threatening to remove a billboard on her property along Benigno Aquino Avenue. The billboard features candidates from Team Sulong Gugma.
In response, Divinagracia’s legal counsel, E.T. Reyes III & Associates, sent a letter to OBO head Engr. Mavi J. Gustilo, warning of potential legal consequences if the takedown proceeds.
The letter requested OBO to reconsider its decision, stressing that legal action would be taken to protect their client’s rights.
“We are sending this letter to request you to consider the possible legal repercussions of the actions you are about to take,” the firm stated, emphasizing their readiness to defend Divinagracia’s interests.
OBO issued a notice of violation to Divinagracia on Dec. 6, citing non-compliance with local regulations regarding two wall-mounted signs on her Emicon Building in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district.
According to the notice signed by OBO head Engr. Mavi J. Gustilo, the signs — one facing Pison Avenue and the other facing Senator Benigno Aquino Avenue — breached Section 1(f) in relation to Section 2(A) of Regulation Ordinance No. 2013-330, as amended by Ordinance No. 2020-119.
The ordinance prohibits the installation of billboards, posters, and similar advertisements in public spaces without permits.
Additionally, the signs violated Rule 20 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Building Code, which governs the installation of signs and signboard structures.
The notice reminded Divinagracia of prior violations regarding the same signage, issued on January 17, 2024, and February 24, 2021.
OBO ordered her to remove the signs within 24 hours, warning that non-compliance would result in their summary removal and possible legal action.
In a press briefing, Mayor Treñas addressed criticisms surrounding the enforcement of Regulation Ordinance No. 2013-330, following the issuance of notices of violation to building owners with billboards featuring political candidates.
“First of all, the ordinance was not even approved during my term,” Treñas clarified.
“It was approved during the time of former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, sponsored by Councilor Plaridel Nava and duly seconded by former Councilor Love-Love Baronda, one of the candidates whose photos appeared in the contested billboard.”
The mayor emphasized that the ordinance is being applied fairly, regardless of political affiliations, and that its enforcement is solely aimed at ensuring compliance with local laws.
Treñas reiterated the need for impartial implementation, stating, “If the law will not be applied to all, it should not be applied at all.”/PN
