THE Baguio Regreening Movement (BRM) have called on the City Buildings and Architects Office (CBAO) to strictly enforce the law against illegal structures constructed within watershed areas and road right-of-ways in the city.
In the weekly Talakayan sa Environment Code, BRM Chairman Erdolfo Balajadia pointed out the need for CBAO to rid illegal structures particularly in watershed areas and road right-of-ways to preserve the remaining areas for the future of the city despite the existing Lina law which protects illegal settlers.
“The Lina law is outside the question because the Lina law refers to those residing in reservations and open spaces which does not refer to watershed areas and road right-of-ways. This is against R.A.917 as amended,” said Balajadia.
R.A.917 refers to the strict implementation and enforcement of the provisions of Section 30, R.A.917 as amended by section 23,P.D. 17, Prohibiting encroachments on Road Right-of-Way infra 004.
Republic Act 7279 on the other hand refers to an act providing for a comprehensive and continuing urban development and housing program, establish the mechanisms for its implementation, and for other purposes.
CBAO Chief Engineer Nacita Banez assured despite the presence of the Lina law, her office continuous to strictly enforce demolitions against illegal structures.
“CBAO does not favor anybody whether big or small structures, we still demolish them. But we need to go through the process because if not, we will also be sued. That’s the difficulty with the law because we need to follow the process, there is a law protecting them which is R.A.7279 or the Lina law, you just couldn’t demolish them without going through the process,” Banez explained.
In November, majority of the 128 barangay captains in the city underwent a seminar on how to conduct or settle demolition orders against illegal settlers.
“Rest assured the reputation of CBAO is very evident and strict but we need the help of the citizens because we could not guard the whole of Baguio City with only 3 investigators in our office. That’s why all Barangay Captains in the city underwent a seminar last November about an Information campaign against illegal structures,” the city building administrator stated.
Based on the reaction of the Barangay Captains who attended the meeting, Banez explained their positive reception and have given letters informing CBAO that the Barangays experience none settlement on their level thus the need for the assistance of CBAO.
On the road right-of-way, the barangay captains have also submitted a report to CBAO which is currently being investigated by the said office following the prescribed procedures.