Mayor says work resumption on city hall grounds urgent

Despite NCCA desist order

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan said there is urgency in resumption of work to finish the city hall stage and mini-museum and fence here even as cease and desist order issued by the National Commission on Culture and Arts is still in effect.

“We have to resume work in the improvements of city hall as time is of the essence,” Domogan said.

The NCCA’s cease and desist order halted construction and beautification works at city hall grounds citing Republic Act No. 10066 Section 48 which states that modification, alteration or destruction of the original features of, or undertakes construction of real estate development in any national shrine, monument, landmark, and other historical edifices and structures declared, classified, and marked by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, inclusive of their designated security or buffer zones extending five meters from the visible perimeter of the monument or site, is not allowed without written permission of the NCCA.

Another letter however was received by the city government from the NHCP stating that it interposes no objection to the improvements being made in the city hall grounds signed by NHCP chair Dr. Maria Serena Diokno.

It said the perimeter fence is acceptable because it is made up of see through grilles whose purpose is to secure the city hall premises from vandals, intruders and looters and does not obstruct the view of the City Hall.

With regards to the improvements of the flagpole area including the construction of a stage and a mini museum below it also does not obstruct the dominance and prominence of the city hall building.

Domogan said the NHCP reiterated they also have jurisdiction over the area.

“We have given due respect to the NCCA, unfortunately despite the fact that we filed a petition clearly pinpointing to them that they have no jurisdiction, that there is no legal basis for the issuance of the cease and desist order, there is no action from them,” he said.

“Hopefully they will also consider that time is of the essence especially now that we are being battered by continuous typhoons, what will happen to this project?”,Domogan said.

Domogan said, “There is regular contact with NHCP through architect Veronica Dado and that the NHCP already endorsed a letter to the NCCA asking for withdrawal of the cease and desist Order, but there is still no reply.”

Domogan ordered the contractor to stop on-going improvement and fencing in the City Hall grounds despite the fact that the project in question is outside the 5 meter buffer zone.

Domogan said, “the project should have been finished by August this year if not for the cease and desist order issued by the NCCA.”