DILG reminds LGUs: Road clearing deadline tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered local government units (LGUs) to fasttrack road clearing operations in their areas before the 60-day deadline that ends tomorrow. 

There would be no extension of the deadline, set under DILG Memorandum Circular 121-2019, even as “much remains to be done” in many parts of the country, DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said yesterday.

DILG officials are set to visit LGUs and assess if they were able to comply with the memorandum.

Non-compliant LGUs will be issued show cause orders to explain their side before DILG Secretary Eduardo Año and their names would later be submitted to President Duterte, Malaya said.

It was during Duterte’s fourth State of the Nation Address that he ordered the reclaiming of public spaces from private use. 

Malaya said that they hope that the two-month intensive clearing program would “start a culture of discipline” in the country. 

He reminded local officials to exercise their power to discipline negligent and uncooperative barangay captains and hold them accountable for their performance.

Local chief executives face administrative charges such as dereliction of duty and negligence if they fail to comply with the 60-day deadline.

They could also be meted a 60-day preventive suspension while under investigation for other charges.

Quezon City clearing complete

The Quezon City government yesterday declared it has successfully completed its clearing operations, covering a total of 152 roads.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said they were able to clear national roads and Mabuhay Lanes, including Quezon, Commonwealth, Quirino and Katipunan Avenues.

She said the city government “went over and beyond” the DILG’s order to clear national, primary and secondary roads as it also cleared side streets of obstructions and illegal structures, including police stations and barangay halls.

Belmonte said ordinances are already being proposed to sustain road-clearing efforts, including the creation of a local department of transport and management.