383 bldgs. in Talisay fail to get permits in 2005

At least 383 buildings in Talisay City have been served last year with notices of illegal construction last year due to lack of building permits, according to the annual report of the city engineer's office signed by planning officer Ariel Araw-Araw.

City engineer Audie Bacasmas approved the report while saying that building owners have difficulty in obtaining documents, including certified true copies of land titles, resulting in failure to secure the building permits.

Bacasmas said, "Dali ra unta ang pag-apply og building permit if all the requirements are present," adding that some people would rather go on with the construction before complying with the requirements for building permit, and just pay the penalties his office imposes against violators.

Those who were served with notices for illegal construction will be meted with surcharge of 50 percent added to the building permit fee, he said. Those who continuously ignore three successive notices will have to appear at the city legal office for investigation.

So far, most of those served with notices have already complied the requirements leaving only a few building owners who have yet to comply, and running the risk of facing charges of illegal squatting.