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Tuesday, September 19, 2006
House body okays Baguio charter amendments
THE House committee on local governments recently approved a proposal authored by Baguio Representative Mauricio Domogan that sought to revise Baguio's Charter.
The proposal to revise the century-old Charter is embodied in House Bill (HB) 3617.
Domogan underscored the need to amend the old Charter to address the present needs of the city and its constituents.
The proposal also aims to address long-standing concerns of the city, such as on the boundaries and jurisdiction of the city and the effective management and administration of land; policies on road traffic management, zoning, garbage disposal, health, peace and order; creation of a more responsible taxation system and revenue generating programs and projects; and the regulation of commerce.
Domogan's bill seeks the titling of alienable and disposable public lands, known as the Baguio City Townsite (BCT) reservation in the name of Baguio City.
In defining the boundaries of the city, the proposal also seeks to settle boundary disputes between the city and the municipality of Tuba, Benguet.
HB 3617 also seeks to institutionalize the payment by the National Government of its contribution to the administrative expenses of the City Government pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 4708 or the law, which provides for the National Government's support in lieu of its non-payment of realty taxes for its vast land holdings and properties, including the Presidential Mansion and the cottages of the Cabinet secretaries.
The measure would likewise reorganize existing offices and departments and create new positions to conform with the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991.
Domogan lauded the speedy action of the committee on his proposal, saying the city could start dealing with the actual problems affecting its lands and properties if the bill would be finally approved by both chambers of Congress.
Baguio has a total land area of 49 square kilometers and is only good for 25,000 inhabitants. However, city planners disclosed that the daytime population of this mountain resort city could go as high as 350,000 or even more depending on the season.
Domogan's bill would still be subjected to plenary debates in the House and when approved, the Senate through Senator Juan Flavier, a Baguio boy, would have to pass its counterpart bill. (DS)
(September 19, 2006 issue)
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