BAGUIO CITY – Local legislators urged the city mayor to issue an administrative order for the immediate activation of an Administrative Board to address public nuisances in the city pursuant to Ordinance No. 36, series of 2024 and directing the same to convene without delay to formulate the implementing rules and regulations as mandated by Section 7(f) of the said measure.
Under Resolution No. 647, series of 2024, The City Mayor is granted the authority to enforce the orders of the Administrative Board and ensure full compliance with its directives.
It added that to enable the local chief executive to fulfill this responsibility effectively, it is essential to activate the Administrative Board promptly, providing, mechanism for the swift and efficient implementation of the same.
The council emphasized that the city is experiencing visible signs of urban decline, characterized by unsightly and potentially hazardous elements,, such as dangling cable wires, utility posts and poles encroaching on pedestrian sidewalks and cluttered with excessive signages, abandoned vehicles along roadways, areas utilized as makeshift auto-shops or storage for construction materials and vacant lots accumulating waste.
The council stipulated that these aforesaid conditions have become persistent eyesores, detecting from the city’s natural beauty and posing potential health and safety risks.
The body argued that addressing these concerns on the city’s natural beauty and posting potential health and safety risks would definitely contribute in coming out with solutions to the problems.
It also emphasized that addressing these concerns is crucial for restoring the city’s charm, enhancing public safety, and improving the quality of life for both residents and visitors alike.
Ordinance No. 36, series of 2024 was enacted to empower the city government to regulate activities impacting lands, highways, public spaces and structures as provided under the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government code of 1991 as amended.
Despite existing laws and ordinances addressing specific nuisances, the council recognized that there is still an urgent need for an administrative body to receive complaints, swiftly identify and declare nuisance activities or structures and issue immediate measures to prevent potential harm, protect public health and uphold community welfare.
Moreover, ordinances and resolutions address obstruction and hazards, such as unauthorized sign posts, encroachments and live wires but the lack of dedicated mechanisms hinders the swift enforcement of the said regulations.
The local government remains committed in adopting policies that prevent nuisances, promote public safety and enhance the aesthetics of public spaces.
To ensure due process, the proposed administrative body will provide affected parties an opportunity to respond before determining whether specific acts, structures, or obstructions should be addressed or removed with decisions enforced for a period not exceeding one year. By Dexter A. See
