Congress thumbs up Baguio charter change

April 4, 2021 Metro BLISTT

Congress recently approved a bill filed by Baguio Rep. Mark Go that aims to revise its charter and that may lead to Baguio and Tuba settle their decades old boundary dispute. Some 231 congressman voted in favor for the passage of House Bill 8882 or the Revised Charter of the City of Baguio Act.
In filing the bill, Go said that Baguio City charter took effect on September 1, 1909 by virtue of Sections 2540-2574 of the Revised Administrative Code of 1917, as amended. He wrote: “The social, economic, and political situation during the early years of the city was so much different from that of the present. Thus, there is a great need to revise the charter to enable it to keep up with the changing times and to address the city’s present challenges and concerns.”
In filing the bill, Go hopes to address the following: ensure effective implementation of the city government’s land use development plan; settle the boundary dispute of the city with the adjoining Municipality of Tuba, Benguet; address the problem in the disposition of alienable and disposable public lands with the Baguio town site reservation; strengthen city’s organizational structure to respond to the growing needs of the city; and, remedy the provisions indicated in the veto message of former Pres. Benigno Aquino III when similar measure was presented for his approval.
He added: “I filed HB 8882 to cater to the present needs of our city and its people.” He further said: “There is a great need to revise the charter to enable it to keep up with the changing times and to address the city’s present challenges and concerns.” The Upper Chamber or Senate will now act on the Congress approved bill.
Pigeon Lobien/ABN