BAGUIO CITY – Concerned sectors prodded the Department of Public Works and Highways–Baguio City District Engineering Office (DPWH-BCDEO) and the city government to effect the long-standing demolition order for the dismantling of the barangay hall of Asin after it was found to have encroached on the road-right-of-way of the Baguio-Asin road way back in 2010.
The demolition of the Asin barangay hall was brought to the fore by the Citizens Crime Watch–Cordillera Chapter to Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong considering the reported long-standing notices of violation issued against the structure and for the realization of the present administration’s goal of clearing roads and sidewalks from obstructions.
Asin barangay officials were previously issued three notices from the DPWH-BCDEO on the alleged encroachments made by the barangay hall renovation that encroached on the road-right-of-way of the Baguio-Asin road implemented during the term of former punong barangay Peter Dumape.
Under the provisions of Presidential Decree (PD) 1096 or the National Building code of the Philippines and its implementing rules and regulations, as well as other relevant laws, rules and regulations of the government, the prohibited uses within the right-of-way of the national roads include private temporary or permanent structures such as buildings, houses, shanties, stores or hardware, shops, stalls, shades, posts, canopies, billboards, signages, advertisements,, fancies, walls, railings, basketball courts, garbage receptacles or the like.
Further, obstructions on right-of-way include sand, gravel, cement, lumber and steel bars, earth spoils, waste materials, debris, embankment, heaps or the like.
Also considered as obstructions on right-of-way of national roads plants or plant boxes, driveways or ramps occupying or protruding to the sidewalks, humps whether permanent or temporary, disposal of domestic or commercial or industrial waste water or sewage into the sidewalks, curb and gutter or travel way, raising of animals or allowing them to roam within the road, washing or drying of clothes, crops and similar items and sports or related activities.
The anti-corruption watchdog expressed optimism the city government will pursue the dismantling of the part of the Asin barangay hall that encroached on the right-of-way considering the unrelenting and uncompromising campaign of the national government for local officials to spearhead the clearing of roads and sidewalks from obstructions that impede the smooth flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the greater interest of public safety.
Previously, the former administration of Barangay Asin reportedly terminated its contract with the winning contractor as it was the barangay that subjected the renovation of the barangay tanod outpost-cum-barangay hall as the funds for the project was sourced out from the barangay.
Under existing rules and regulations, the DPWH-BCDEO is required to give three notices to those that own the obstructions on the right-of-way of national roads and sidewalks in the different parts of the city before the implementation of the demolition of such structures.
By HENT
