CONTROVERSIAL CELLSITE
Zoning board to seek advice of HLURB

By Maricar M. Calubiran

City legal chief Atty. Edgar Gil said the City Zoning Board Adjustment and Appeal (CZBAA) would seek the advice of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) regarding their recommendation on the controversial cell site of Digitel Mobile Philippines (Digitel) in Brgy. Montinola, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Gil, who is also the chair of the CZBAA, said by principle they have already come up with a recommendation but they have to inquire before the HLURB on the pros and cons of their recommendation. They will also ask for the implementing rules and guidelines on the operation of a cellular company. 

In an earlier interview, Gil said, he would recall the special permit his office has issued  to Digitel if residents object to it. “There should be a social acceptance of the project,” he said.

Gil added that they would have to wait for the decision of Mayor Jerry Treñas before they could release their final recommendation on the issue. The mayor is expected to arrive Thursday, October 6.
The CZBAA reportedly issued a special permit to Digitel without the knowledge of the residents of Barangay Montinola, Jaro. According to Gil, they relied on the statement issued to them by Brgy. Capt. Bienvinido Lagos. Lagos, allegedly said the residents posed no opposition on the construction of an antenna that serves as relay station of the cellular company.

Under Ordinance 399, the CZBAA could issue a special permit to the applicants seven days from their application if there is social acceptability of the project and no objection from the residents.
However, Gil’s statement was contradicted by Lagos. He said he never gave Gil the go signal to issue the special permit. He even said that Digitel directly made their transaction at the Iloilo City Hall.