AFP structures not exempt from building law - DOJ

MANILA, Philippines - Structures of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are not exempt from the requirements of the National Building Code (NBC), the Department of Justice (DOJ) has said.

In a legal opinion, Secretary Leila de Lima explained that requirements should “apply to the design, location, sitting, construction, alteration...demolition of, and addition to public and private buildings” as provided in Section 103 of the NBC.

De Lima said Section 301 of the same law prohibits any person and any agency and instrumentality of the government from constructing or demolishing any building without obtaining a permit from local building officials.

De lima issued the opinion upon the request of Capas, Tarlac Mayor Antonio Rodriguez Jr., who complained about the Philippine Army’s inaction in connection with his demand for it to seek a permit before proceeding with the construction of a fence and building for its Training and Doctrine Command (Tradoc) on a five-hecare lot at the O’Donnell Resettlement.

Rodriguez said his office has sent several notices to the Light Armor Division (LAD) of the Philippine Army since last year to obtain a permit but these were all ignored. He added that he made similar representation with Tradoc officials, with the same result.