City officials scrutinize On-site Budget Officer (OBO) about the fast-food eatery's illegal expansion onto the sidewalk.
Fast Food Giant Under Fire for Sidewalk Encroachment
The Cebu City legislators are giving a grilling to the Office of the Building Official (OBO) over persistent building code violations, particularly a popular fast-food chain encroaching on a city sidewalk. The situation has garnered widespread criticism due to its impact on public safety and quality of life.
Last week's public hearing raised significant concerns about the fast-food joint, which is alleged to be occupying the sidewalk at the intersection of F. Gonzales St. and Osmeña Blvd. Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr., a vocal opponent of the encroachment since 2016, expressed frustration over the lack of progress.
"I have been complaining about that for a very long time," Alcover stated, "Why did it encroach on the sidewalk? Did it go through zoning, and why did they get a permit when their business is on the sidewalk?"
Unauthorized Operations Under the Spotlight
The criticism against the establishment intensified when it was revealed that the restaurant lacked not only a building permit but also a locational clearance from the City Planning and Development Office. OBO representative, Emmanuel Cuizon, admitted that no building permit had been issued to the branch. In addition, the restaurant's encroachment forced pedestrians to walk on the street, potentially compromising their safety.
"Our government seems useless if that's the case. We haven't done anything; it has no permit, yet it has been operating for how many years perhaps," Alcover said, urging immediate action.
Complex Legalities and Systemic Challenges
Despite strong criticism, the OBO defended its position, stating that the sidewalk in question is considered part of the property, allowing for a second floor extension over the arcaded sidewalk, which drew further criticism from Alcover. "In short, the City of Cebu is useless if that's the story," Alcover lamented.
The discussion during the hearing expanded to include concerns about other establishments and illegal construction throughout the city, highlighting a broader systemic problem with government enforcement. Councilor Jerry Guardo questioned the OBO's power to stop illegal constructions and enforce orders effectively.
Regulatory Gaps and outdated Zoning Ordinance
The hearing also addressed the challenges faced by the OBO in implementing policies due to an outdated zoning ordinance and regulatory hurdles. The city council is yet to approve a revised zoning ordinance that seeks to streamline and modernize enforcement mechanisms. The delay in the approval process has been criticized as contributing to ongoing enforcement failures.
The fast-food chain encroachment controversy, therefore, represents a complex interplay of regulatory gaps, systemic challenges, and government inaction. The situation demonstrates the importance of effective enforcement and the need for a revised zoning ordinance that addresses the needs of modern urban development.
Sources:[1] Townhall. "Councilor Pastor 'Jun' Alcover Jr. raises concerns over fast food joint's sidewalk encroachment in Cebu City". June 11, 2025. Accessed June 13, 2025.
- The government's enforcement agency, the Office of the Building Official (OBO), has come under fire for not preventing a popular fast-food chain from encroaching on a city sidewalk, raising wider concerns about policy-and-legislation and the general-news of unauthorized business operations in Cebu.
- The controversy over the fast-food chain's encroachment has intensified, as it was reported that the restaurant lacked not only a building permit but also a locational clearance from the City Planning and Development Office, bringing questions about the city's business regulations and political oversight.
- Throughout the public hearing, the issue of outdated zoning ordinances and regulatory hurdles hindering effective enforcement was addressed, suggesting that the fast-food chain's sidewalk encroachment might be an example of systemic challenges in the city's policy-and-legislation and government-business relations.
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