City Engineer's Office denies 'under the table' transactions

The Dumaguete City Engineer’s Office had denied insinuations from a city councilor about alleged “under the table” considerations for an applicant to secure a building permit on time.

City Engineer Edwin Quirit said an existing process flow is implemented by the DCEO regarding issuance of building permits. He dared anybody to file formal complaints against any personnel of his office, and substantiate accusations on “under the table” deals.

“The problem with some business establishments is that they want short cuts by ignoring guidelines under the national building code. When refused requests for extensions that are not allowable, or to do away with setback requirements, these applicants sometimes seek the help of public officials to facilitate approval of their applications,” said Quirit.

Quirit said the Office of the Building Official (OBO) is the last person to sign the application for building permit, and he himself would not even know if a particular application is existing unless it reaches his table for final evaluation and signing.

Quirit, however, would not confirm nor deny if the so called “under the table” consideration has happened along the way, but definitely, not in his office. He further said that it would be fair to everybody if allegations are substantiated and give the concerned individuals a day in court.

Councilor Lilani Ramon, finance committee chair, has earlier called for an investigation together with the internal audit on allegations of “under the table” transactions inside the DCEO even if such reports are unverified.

She said she has been alarmed by the growing number of complaints she received about certain officials of the DCEO who are making it harder to secure a building permit.