Expedite adjudication process vs. squatters — Mayor

Mayor Benjamin Magalong sought speeding up of the adjudication process on cases on squatting and illegal constructions.

“It is about time that we show our  determination and conviction to stop squatting.   Let us expedite the adjudication process. We have to show results,” the mayor rallied members of the Baguio Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures (BASIS) group and the Anti-Squatting and Anti-Illegal Structure Committee (ASAISC) last June 9.

“If we ignore and allow them to continue with their illegal  activities, then we are punishing those who strictly abide by the law,” he said.

The groups were preparing to file a criminal case against the owner of an illegal construction who ignored an earlier order from the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) to cease and desist from continuing the construction and continued building despite the notice of violation and order for a status quo.

City Building Official Johnny Degay said they are about to wrap up the conference on the incident which will decide if they will recommend the filing of criminal charges and the issuance of a demolition order.

With the revitalized anti-squatting campaign, numerous ongoing illegal constructions are being reported and investigated.

For April and May, a total of 321 ongoing constructions on titled and untitled lots and road rights-of-way were stopped for violations while 30 others located in watersheds were endorsed for demolition. – Aileen P. Refuerzo