TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The city government responded to the request of Magnao Barangay Chairman Eduardo Tubban to inspect the illegal construction of six concrete posts within a barangay lot.
Offices involved are the City Legal Services Office (CLSO), City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO), City Assessor’s Office, City Planning and Development Office- Zoning Division, City Public Information Office and Tabuk City Police Station.
This barangay lot is a 671-sq.m. land donated by the city government during the incumbency of then City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban to Brgy. Magnao during the time of former barangay chairman Rolando Gamongan.
Chairman Tubban said that Gamongan had built the concrete poles to start his “talipapa” business.
However, per Barangay Resolution No. 02, series 2022, the lot would be utilized for the establishment of senior citizens building, according to the current barangay chairman Eduardo Tubban.
During the inspection, City Legal Officer Arthur Kub-ao explained to the barangay officials and other residents of Magnao that the construction of the posts in the property by Gamongan is unlawful as the lot has been now owned by the city government since 2018.
Despite repeated verbal warnings to force Gamongan to voluntarily demolish the six concrete posts, in January 23, 2024, he has refused to do so which prompted the CLSO to issue a cease and desist notice ordering him to stop whatever construction is being undertaken, and vacate the said property immediately.
During the inspection, it was seen that three of the six concrete posts encroached into the road right of way. This will enable the CLSO to issue a letter requesting that Gamongan meet with the CBAO for a dialogue later this week in order to persuade him to demolish the concrete posts.
On the other hand, City Assessor’s Office will prepare a lot plan pending the scheduled dialogue.
The CLSO also suggested for the installation of barbed wires around the perimeters of the barangay lot once the deed of donation is awarded to the barangay.
The city government, through the inspectorate team, cautions people that building without a permit is forbidden and that buildings or structures that encroach on a road right-of-way may be demolished without a court’s approval. By Darwin S. Serion
