Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental – A P3.5-billion medical facility project along EJ Blanco Drive, Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City, has been served a Notice of Illegal Construction due to multiple violations, including the absence of a building permit, zoning compliance, and fire safety certification.
The City Engineering Office issued the first notice addressed to the Province of Negros Oriental, through its contractor Philsouth Builders, citing violations of Sections 213 and 301 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Presidential Decree No. 1096, also known as the National Building Code of the Philippines. These sections mandate the strict requirement of securing the proper permits before initiating any construction activities.
Despite the project being 10 percent completed, the lack of compliance with zoning regulations, fire safety requirements, and an approved building permit has prompted city authorities to intervene. The Notice of Illegal Construction directed the immediate cessation of all building activities and required the project proponents to:
- Stop all construction work on the premises immediately.
- Contact the city engineering office within three days upon receipt of the notice.
- Submit the necessary plans and secure a building permit after applying for preliminary zoning compliance from the City Development Office and obtaining fire safety compliance from the Fire Marshal.
Resident Complaints on Noise and Ground Shaking
Further complicating the issue, the construction activities have drawn complaints from residents of Barangay Piapi due to excessive noise and severe ground shaking caused by heavy equipment operation from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM. Homeowners reported microfractures in their walls and structural damage attributed to the intense vibrations.
Barangay Captain Hon. Grace F. Osa has formally endorsed the residents’ complaints to the City Engineering Office, urging immediate action against the disturbance and potential safety risks.
The City Engineering Office is expected to monitor compliance with the notice and take further legal steps should the violations persist.
