The city council is set to discuss anytime soon a proposed ordinance that seeks to remove the complex and anti-poor provisions of an existing local policy regulating the connections of water and electricity in Baguio. 

Councilor Rocky Thomas Balisong proposed an ordinance amending provisions of Ordinance 67, s. 2009, which supposedly simplified the guidelines to be complied with by residents applying for water and electric connections. 

“Many applicants, however, find the guidelines “complex,” anti-poor, and difficult to comply. Thus, the spirit of amnesty or reprieve has been defeated,” said Balisong. 

To recall, the city council approved Ordinance 67-2009 which allowed applicants for water and electricity connections to structures without building permits but subject to terms and conditions.

Balisong shared the observation that many residents have a hard time applying for water and power connections from the Baguio Water District and Benguet Electric Cooperative due to strict terms. 

The councilor said in his proposed amendment ordinance that  the connection of electric and water to buildings constructed without building permit in any private property not owned or leased by the owner of the building or in any government reservation does not mean condonation of the actuation of the building in the construction of his structure in violation of Presidential Decree 772 and 1096 or Republic Act 7292 and shall not prevent the authorities from demolishing said structures based on lawful grounds. 

As such, he proposed that applicants for electric connection shall secure a certification from duly certified or duly licensed electrical engineer or electrical practitioner accredited by the Beneco or the city electrical engineer attesting to the safety of the electric wiring.

On the other hand, a plan or certification regarding the water connection shall be certified by the Baguio Water District (BWD) in case of water connections. 

Other requirements are the presentation of proof of ownership (updated Tax Declaration and Real Property Assessment) of the building and personal appearance of applicants is a must. 

“This privilege shall be applicable to the bona fide residents of Baguio whose identities have been duly certified by the punong barangay and attesting that the applicant is a bona fide resident of that barangay for at least one year prior to the application,” Balisong said.