Time is of the essence for local government units (LGUs) to clear roads of any form of obstruction as the 60-day deadline set by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) begins.
The STAR reported that the DILG issued Memorandum Circular 2019-121 on Monday, ordering all LGUs to reclaim public roads that are being used for private purposes.
Within the 60-day deadline, local executives are mandated to clear all streets from obstruction such as illegally parked vehicles, basketball courts, barangay halls, and illegal vendors.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Duterte warned local executives of suspension should they fail to comply with his order to reclaim all public roads in a bid to resolve the issue of traffic congestion.
Failure to comply with the President’s marching orders could mean administrative charges or preventive suspension.
Around 30 percent of the roads in the National Capital Region are obstructed, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. – With Romina Cabrera, Marc Jayson Cayabyab/STAR