MEMBERS of the City Council are seeking an adjustment for building construction permits in Baguio City due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
In a resolution approved last week, the council approved the extension of expiring building permits due to the non-commencement of work caused by the community quarantines.
The resolution takes into consideration the suspension of building projects due to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying all building permits issued and are due this year should be automatically given a one year extension.
The move cited Presidential Decree 305 of the National Building Code of the Philippines, saying "a building permit issued under the provisions of this Code shall expire and become null and void if the building or work authorized therein is not commenced within a period of one year from the date of such permit, or if the building or work so authorized is suspended or abandoned at any time after it has been commenced for a period of 120 days."
The enhanced community quarantine issued March 16 prevented the commencement of building work and the suspension of building projects.
At that time, only the construction of critical projects were allowed with strict guidelines with the city identifying at least 12 major construction projects which should work to stabilize structures to prevent possible collapse.
The council added that projects that were suspended or abandoned will be given an extension of another 120 days from the resumption of work as mandated by the city government.