Inspection of all on-going construction in the city urged

July 22, 2017 Opinion Sideglance

City Councilor Elaine Sembrano filed a proposed Resolution and Ordinance recently in connection with the recent construction boom in the City of Baguio shown by the emergence of high rise structures in the locality.

In the proposed resolution titled, “A Resolution in aid of legislation, urging the City Planning and Development Office to conduct a general inspection of all on-going development and construction activities whether issued locational and other permits or not, in the City of Baguio pursuant to City Ordinance Numbered 19 series of 2009 and to submit its report to the city council within thirty days upon approval hereof”, Councilor Sembrano observed that while the various development and construction projects in the city may have secure the necessary permits and clearances in its implementation there is a need to ensure that specifications and conditions are properly complied with not only for the interest of the investors and their clients but also for the general welfare of the public.

The lady councilor added that with, “with the positive economic environment and the growing preference of local and international investors for the City of Baguio, it is likewise imperative to harness this advantage to ascertain the sustainability and security of these investments that will definitely redound to the benefit of the city government and its people”

Thus, as provided for in Ordinance Numbered 19, series of 2009 entitled “Providing for the guidelines in monitoring subdivisions and other real estate development in the City of Baguio and penalties for violations thereof”, the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) as the lead monitoring team, to ensure compliance with existing laws and ordinances by real estate developers and contractors who are currently implementing their projects in the locality.

Relative to this, Councilor Sembrano also filed a proposed amendatory ordinance to change some provisions of Ordinance Numbered 19 series of 2009 particularly paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Section 4 thereof.

Under the proposed amendments the following have been added to the above paragraphs in Section 4 as mentioned to wit: “(a) conducts periodic inspection of all subdivisions/constructions to which the city has issued Preliminary Approval and Locational Clearance (PALC), Development Permit and/or Final Approval of Subdivision, Building Permit, Excavation Permit and other permits issued relative to the conduct of the development or construction project, from the issuance of the permit or clearance until the expiration or completion of the same, (b) Receives and acts on complaints of violations of subdivision and real estate developments and contractors. Pursuant to its findings shall issue immediately the necessary notice of violation and recommend to the concerned office the prompt issuance of the appropriate show cause order or cease and desist order, (c)Submit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the office of the City Executive a quarterly monitoring/inspection Report of Real Estate Development and construction projects covered by herein ordinance, and (d) Recommends to the Office responsible in the issuance of the permit/clearance, the imposition of appropriate fines and penalties for each and every violation including, but not limited, to the revocation of the issued permits and clearances. (Italics supplied for emphasis)

The abovementioned proposed ordinance and resolution are expected to be tackled in the regular session of the City Council on Monday.