THE Baguio Regreening Movement (BRM) welcomed the possible implementation of a temporary moratorium for building construction in the city.

BRM chairman Erdolfo Balajadia explained the city can suggest, insist and even enforce existing ordinances relevant to building construction in Baguio City.

“If they would not want to listen to us then let’s fight all the way because just like the creation of deep wells, we do not have any control over it because it is the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) who releases the permits but what we can do basing on the provision of our present water code, before anyone can break the ground open in the city, they should secure an excavation permit,” Balajadia said.

During the Senate hearing spearheaded by Richard Gordon tackling the bill creating a development authority for Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay (BLISTT), a representative from the Baguio Heritage Foundation Inc. expressed support on the plans, however, pinpointed specific problems faced by the city.

In the Senate hearing, Undersecretary Adoracion Navarro of the Regional Development Office of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) stated aside from moratorium of buildings, there should be focus on the underlying principle which is the carrying capacity of the city.

The Baguio Heritage Foundation reiterated during the hearing it is pushing for a carrying capacity analysis for Baguio and surrounding areas.

NEDA is still waiting for the results of a carrying capacity study which started in 2018 conducted by the office who tapped a consulting firm.

“It is just a matter of being confrontational if they insist, then probably let us protect our city, let’s go to court. We have a city legal office and what is that city legal office doing? These are some pointers that we are suggesting to our incoming mayor,” Balajadia added.