A total of 223 new constructions that have no building permit were halted and investigated from April 1 to present.
The City Buildings and Architecture Office under City Building Official Arch. Johnny Degay said these structures are located in titled and untitled lots and road right-of-ways in the different barangays in the city.
Their violations were discovered during monitoring operations conducted by the CBAO and the Baguio City Police Office in the last five weeks pursuant to Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s order intensifying the monitoring of compliance with building permit requirement.
Engr. Donald Gas-ib, head of the CBAO Investigation and Demolition Division, said 94 of these constructions are situated in titled lots while 106 are in unregistered lots. Twenty-three were found encroaching in road right-of-ways.
Owners of structures found in titled lots registered under the same person were ordered to cease construction and to legalize their structures within 60 days.
On the other hand, builders who do not own the titled lot were issued cease and desist orders with advice to resolve issues with the lot owners.
Meanwhile, those found building on unregistered lots were issued first notice of violation and subjected to investigation.
Magalong last March 3 ordered the CBAO and the BCPO and other offices under the Baguio Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures team to effect a crackdown on ongoing constructions that are not covered by building permits.
“We are taking this campaign seriously since this is a very crucial issue in our city. It is not just an issue of safety but also of health and sanitation, all of which are critical factors affecting the well-being of our residents,” the mayor said.
CBAO, which launched a census of existing structures in the city, said of the 120,000 structures, 80 percent or 96,000 have no building permits. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
