OBO ordered to audit all DPWH projects in Iloilo City

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor 

The City Council has directed the Office of the Building Official (OBO) to conduct a full audit of all Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects in Iloilo City following concerns that several constructions were undertaken without the necessary building permits.

Councilor Johnny Young, chairperson of the Committee on Engineering, Construction and Public Works, said in a privilege speech that led to a council resolution that DPWH must comply with the National Building Code of the Philippines, which requires permits for both public and private projects.

Young said that since becoming committee chair in 2022, he has repeatedly reminded DPWH to secure building permits before starting construction, but violations persist.

“During several of our committee hearings, I have clearly stated—on record—that DPWH must secure the necessary permits before starting construction […] And yet, despite these discussions and official advisories, we continue to see projects proceeding without compliance,” he said.

Young emphasized that securing requirements from the city government is “not a bureaucratic obstacle.”

“It is a safeguard—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 said.

He warned that allowing projects to proceed without OBO clearance undermines public safety, weakens accountability, and sets a dangerous precedent of government agencies bypassing procedures that ordinary citizens and private contractors are compelled to follow.

Unlike private developers who face financial penalties for late applications, national and local government projects are exempt from paying building permit fees, which limits OBO’s enforcement mechanisms.

“Our city government strictly enforces permit requirements for private citizens, small businesses, and local contractors. Why should a national agency be exempt? The principle of equal application of the law is fundamental to our credibility as a governing body,” Young said.

The council resolution also called on DPWH and its contractors to halt ongoing projects that lack permits, comply immediately with OBO requirements, and submit a formal explanation for continued non-compliance despite repeated advisories.

Young clarified that the move was not meant to provoke conflict but to ensure consistency in the enforcement of local governance policies.

“If we fail to act, we risk weakening the rule of law and compromising the safety and trust of the people we serve,” he said.