ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is under fire for allegedly bypassing Iloilo City’s building permit requirements in its construction projects, a practice local lawmakers say undermines public safety and the rule of law.
During the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod session on September 10, DPWH’s repeated failure to secure permits from the Office of the Building Official (OBO) before commencing projects within the city was raised.
“I have repeatedly encountered the practice of DPWH undertaking construction projects within Iloilo City without first securing the required Building Permits from the Office of the Building Official,” said Councilor Johny Young, chairperson of the Committee on Engineering and Public Works.
Young stressed that permits are essential safeguards to ensure projects undergo technical evaluation for structural integrity, safety, zoning compliance, and environmental soundness.
“It is a way to ensure that every structure built in our city has undergone proper technical evaluation for structural integrity, safety, zoning compliance, and environmental soundness,” he added.
DPWH’s non-compliance sets “a dangerous precedent that certain agencies can bypass procedures that all others are bound to follow,” Young warned.
The OBO, however, has limited recourse because government projects are exempt from paying building permit fees, leaving the office unable to impose penalties for late or non-compliance.
“Our city government strictly enforces permit requirements for private citizens, small businesses, and local contractors. Why should a national agency be exempt?” Young asked.
To address the issue, the City Council is pushing to summon DPWH and its contractors to explain the violations, direct the OBO to audit all DPWH projects, and demand immediate compliance with permit requirements.
“If we fail to act, we risk weakening the rule of law and compromising the safety and trust of the people we serve. Let us send a clear message: in Iloilo City, compliance with the law is not optional — it is a duty for all,” said Young./PN
