Brgy. dad, legal officer issue conflicting statements on cell site issue

By Maricar M. Calubiran

The barangay captain of Brgy Montinola in Jaro denied any hand on the issuance of a special permit to Digitel Mobile Philippines.

Barangay Captain Bienvinido Lagos said he did not issue a barangay clearance to Digitel after his residents signed a manifesto opposing the construction of a cell site in the area. He also belied reports that he kept the manifesto of his constituents.

As early as April 2005, residents already signed the manifesto. However, on July this year, the City Zoning Board of Appeals and Adjustment chaired by City Legal Officer Atty. Edgar Gil issued a special permit to Digitel.

The issuance of the special permit paved way for Digitel to construct an antenna. Residents were caught by surprise with the sudden construction of antenna in their barangay.

The barangay captain also stressed that Digitel’s proposal was not directly addressed to him but to the city government. He thought all the while the project will not push through since Digitel has no clearance from their barangay.  

In an earlier interview, Gil claimed the board issued the special permit after Lagos informed them that residents posed no objection on the Digitel’s project in Barangay Montinola.

Gil also said Lagos was also present during the hearings of the board prior to the issuance of the special permit. The CLO chief said they could always recall the special permit. Lagos was lambasted by his constituents because of Gil’s statement regarding the issuance of the special permit to Digitel Mobile Philippines.

The barangay captain said he could not remember attending any hearing at the City Zoning Board of Appeals and Adjustment. Lagos even challenged Gil to present the attendance sheet or any document to show that indeed he was around during the hearing.