The municipalityof La Trinidad, Benguet is set to demolish an illegal bridge being constructed along the Bolo Creek along the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center Road at Km. 6.
Mayor Romeo Salda has issued a demolition order to Cristopher Binlayan due to the construction of the vehicular concrete bridge, which connects the BAPTC Road and Sitio Central Buyagan in Poblacion.
In the order, Binlayan was directed to voluntarily demolish the structure to avoid the confiscation of materials during the demolition set on July 7.
The order was issued based on the resolution of the anti-illegal structures committee recommending the demolition of the structure.
It stated the vehicular bridge was constructed without necessary permits at the Bolo Creek and considered an obstruction of waterways, which increases the risk of flooding in the area.
The order also states the construction of the bridge is in violation of Section 301 of the National Building Code, which states that “no person, firm or corporation, including any agency or instrumentality of the government shall erect, construct, alter, move, convert, or demolish any building/structure” without obtaining a building permit.
Also, backing up the demolition order is the series of dialogues and meetings conducted along with the council Resolution16-2023, which directs concerned agencies to cause the stoppage of the ongoing construction at the site; Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Resolution 6-2023; and the investigation report submitted by the inspection team of the Municipal Engineering Office.
The order states the municipal building official or the officer-in-charge at the municipal building office, as head of the demolition team shall coordinate with the barangay officials of Poblacion along with the police in the implementation of the demolition order. A copy of the order was given to Binlayan for his information and guidance. – Ofelia C. Empian
