The Baguio City Council called out the Baguio City District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (BCDEO-DPWH) and the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) over the continued presence and construction of illegal structures within the road right-of-way (RRW) along Kennon Road, questioning the effectiveness of enforcement efforts despite years of notices and demolition orders.
Councilor Fred Bagbagen, chairperson of the City Council’s Committee on Public Utilities, Transport and Traffic Legislation, moved to invite representatives of the two offices during the regular session on August 24, 2026 to explain the situation and the actions taken against the structures.
Attending the forum were BCDEO representatives Engr. Geofrey Galwan and Engr. Carlos Ofiaza, CBAO Investigation and Demolition Division head Engr. Donald Gas-ib, and City Engineering Office representatives Engr. Dominador Matbagan and Chester Comicho.
The BCDEO representatives reported that, based on their records, there are 279 illegal structures along the Baguio side of Kennon Road from 2019 to the present. They said the construction of structures within the road right-of-way (RROW) along Kennon Road is prohibited under DPWH Department Order No. 73. They added that the district office has been issuing notices of obstruction since 2014 and continues to conduct onsite validation and other enforcement activities.
Bagbagen questioned why illegal structures continued to be built despite the notices, noting that some had reportedly reached three stories. He asked whether DPWH’s enforcement effectively stopped at the issuance of notices.
The BCDEO representatives explained that after notices are issued, the office coordinates with the City Legal Office and the DPWH regional legal office for further action. They cited a February 18, 2026 request for local government assistance in removing obstructions along Kennon Road.
They also said enforcement has been complicated by cases where different individuals claim ownership of structures after succeeding notices are issued, as well as structures being rented to other occupants. However, they claimed that changes in ownership do not prevent enforcement.
Bagbagen urged DPWH to intervene while structures are still being built instead of waiting until they are completed. He said owners who have already invested in finished structures could later assert whatever rights they believe they have. He further warned against allowing illegal structures to “mushroom” along Kennon Road.
The BCDEO representatives said they understand the importance of the area and cited instances where the agency acted against ongoing construction. In one case, DPWH issued notices and coordinated with CBAO which subsequently issued a notice of stoppage against the construction.
Bagbagen acknowledged the action but said it appeared insufficient considering the number and size of structures along the road, particularly near the Lion’s Head area where three-story structures with parking spaces have reportedly been built. He questioned how such developments could continue despite DPWH being responsible for the maintenance of the national road.
The BCDEO representatives said the district office had inventoried the structures, issued notices and undertaken other actions, but identified demolition as the main challenge. They said DPWH is still awaiting legal guidance and would again refer the matter to its legal office with the relevant information.
Bagbagen questioned the need for further legal advice when the structures had already been determined to be illegal and their location within the RRW could be established.
Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan also questioned DPWH about a building near the lower portion of Lion’s Head. The BCDEO representatives clarified that the structure was intended for the district office but the project did not proceed because the building permit requirement had not been complied with.
Olowan pointed out that DPWH’s own difficulty in securing a building permit could become a basis for residents to question the agency’s enforcement against illegal construction.
Camp 7 Punong Barangay Angelina C. Ramos recalled that a 2005 meeting resulted in an agreement to maintain the status quo. She said the arrangement was observed for several years.
Ramos identified 2016 as a turning point when a building was reportedly allowed to be constructed during the term of a previous barangay captain. Residents questioned why one person was allowed to build when they had been prohibited from doing so. Ramos said this led others to believe that they could also construct structures, contributing to the proliferation of buildings along Kennon Road.
Bagbagen agreed that allowing one structure could create the impression that construction was being tolerated, resulting in a chain reaction along the road.
Gas-ib explained that structures from the junction toward Loakan and continuing to Lion’s Head on the right side were covered by demolition orders issued by the Mayor’s Office in 2024. However, implementation was deferred pending an evaluation of the structures’ safety.
CBAO complied with the directive and submitted its evaluation report to the city’s anti-illegal structure committee, but Gas-ib said the office had yet to receive a response.
Bagbagen said the safety issue should not change the fact that the structures are illegal because they occupy the RRW.
Gas-ib also said CBAO generally acts on illegal structures when there are complaints. However, Bagbagen urged the office to take a proactive approach instead of waiting for complaints, saying this would help prevent the continued mushrooming of what he described as “eyesores” along Kennon Road.
Councilor Yuri Weygan said owners of illegal structures could become emboldened to continue building after receiving notices because they believed no further action would follow.
Gas-ib explained that after receiving notices from BCDEO, CBAO endorses cases to the appropriate city committee for action, including the issuance of demolition orders. He stressed, however, that DPWH itself has authority to demolish illegal structures within its jurisdiction because Kennon Road is a national road.
Weygan said the situation had resulted in government offices “passing responsibility” to one another over who should undertake the necessary corrective measures, allowing illegal structures to continue being built.
The BCDEO representatives acknowledged that the district office does not have its own demolition team and said they would relay to higher offices the City Council’s suggestion to establish one.
Gas-ib reported that three structures had been demolished. Olowan, however, warned that isolated demolitions could be perceived as “selective demolition.”
The vice mayor called for DPWH to craft and implement a clear policy to ensure consistent enforcement along the road.
Meanwhile, Councilor Van Dicang raised the concerns of legitimate vendors at the Camp 7 satellite market who complained that roadside stalls were competing with them.
Geraldine Angulo, head of the Permits and Licensing Division, said the roadside stalls had been issued special permits for the second quarter but had not secured renewals for the third quarter. She explained that some vendors built temporary structures during the pandemic as a means of livelihood.
Angulo said some applications for renewal had been denied because of sanitation problems and failure to comply with requirements. Those operating without permits were issued cease-and-desist orders, to be followed by closure orders.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda pointed out another concern involving DPWH certifications stating that no projects are scheduled to be undertaken in certain areas. She said individuals have been interpreting such certifications as permission to construct structures illegally.
The City Council subsequently referred the matter to its Committee on Public Works for further study and appropriate action.
The issue is not new. In November 2022, the City Council had already questioned the BCDEO-DPWH over the mushrooming of illegal structures along Kennon Road, with the district office citing insufficient funding as a major obstacle to demolition. At the time, BCDEO said it had inventoried 57 structures that were ready for dismantling and was preparing funding requirements for the removal of other permanent structures. The office also said it would seek assistance from CBAO which acknowledged that the removal of illegal structures along national roads falls under DPWH’s mandate but expressed willingness to assist in demolition operations. – Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod
