Due to its threat to public safety, a private bridge being constructed at the Bolo Creek along the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center Road in Km. 6, La Trinidad, Benguet has been demolished.
Members of the town’s Anti-Illegal Structure Committee demolished the concrete bridge, which connects the BAPTC road and Sitio Central Buyagan, in Poblacion.
Mayor Romeo Salda said the structure was constructed without permits and is considered an obstruction of waterways, which increases the risk of flooding in the area.
The order was carried out through Demolition Order 03-2023 issued to lot owner Cristopher Binlayan after the Anti-Illegal Structures Committee passed a resolution recommending demolition of the structure.
The demolition was supposed to be implemented on July 7 but was suspended for days after Binlayan sought for injunction and prohibition with temporary restraining order.
The Benguet Regional Trial Court Branch 10 denied Binlayan’s petition, which paved the way for the municipality to implement the demolition orde.
In his petition, Binlayan said the bridge is the most practical and shortest way to connect to the road across the Bolo Creek. He said the bridge will not only benefit him but also the residents in the area and the community as well.
Salda said there should be no structures put up along the creek as it could affect the water flow especially during strong rains.
Based on the demolition order, construction of a private bridge is a 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.
Attached in the demolition order is the town council Resolution 16-2023 dated Jan. 10, 2023, which directs concerned agencies to stop the construction at the site.
Salda has warned that other illegal structures built along the Bolo Creek will also be demolished. – Ofelia C. Empian
