After the EDSA gridlock experienced by motorists on Saturday amid the implementation of VIP lanes for ASEAN delegates, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Catalino S. Cuy calls on barangay chiefs in Metro Manila to do their role in clearing all roads within their jurisdiction from obstructions, including illegal structures, illegally parked vehicles, and garbage.
“The clearance of roads would pave the way to motorists’ use of alternative routes and would then ease the gridlock in EDSA and major thoroughfares covered by ASEAN lanes,” says Cuy, who is also the Chairman of the interagency ASEAN 2017 Committee on Security, Peace and Order, Emergency Preparedness and Response (CSPOEPR).
“City governments in the Metro and barangay chiefs have a crucial role in maintaining the clearing of roads which can be used instead of EDSA and would make travel easier for the general public,” he says.
The DILG OIC prods local government units (LGUs) to be proactive in their role in traffic management. He says, “The CSPOEPR, including the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), cannot do it alone especially if after MMDA’s road clearing operations, obstructions are put in place again by residents or business owners.”
He assures that the CSPOEPR is making necessary adjustments to mitigate the traffic jam not only in EDSA but as well as in NLEX (North Luzon Expressway).
Cuy issued the call as several LGUs in the metropolis remain obstinate in implementing the programs of national government agencies like the DILG and MMDA, particularly in the dismantling and removal of illegal structures, obstructions and other encroachments.
Barangay chiefs warned of sanction
He reminds barangay chiefs of the implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DILG National Capital Region (NCR) and the MMDA inked in August 2017.
Under the MOA, MMDA coordinates their clearing operations with DILG NCR which in turn issues a directive to city governments and barangays to assist the former. The LGUs are then directed by DILG NCR to submit a report on their rendered assistance.
Upon the initiative of the MMDA or upon LGUs’ request, the MMDA clears road obstructions in barangays then ‘turns over’ the cleared area to concerned barangay chiefs through the issuance of Certificate of Acceptance.
To ensure the maintenance of cleared areas, MMDA inspects the place. If it has obstructions again, the MMDA warns the barangay and informs DILG NCR.
Afterward, MMDA conducts a follow-up inspection. If a barangay still fails to comply, the MMDA files an administrative case before the Sangguniang Panlungsod within 60 days against an erring barangay official. The MMDA informs DILG NCR of the action and the latter requests the Sanggunian to expedite the disposition of the case.
Based on MMDA’s records, around eight barangays are facing administrative cases for dereliction of duty in maintaining their roads from obstructions.
“Whether or not it’s ASEAN hosting season in Metro Manila, it is the punong barangays’ responsibility to prohibit road obstructions,” says the DILG OIC.
“The CSPOEPR, through MMDA, will not hesitate to file charges against uncooperative barangay officials,” Cuy warns.
In the Second State of the Nation Address of President Duterte, he directed the MMDA and LGUs of Metro Manila “to ensure the free flow of traffic, and immediately clear our roads and thoroughfares of all unnecessary obstruction, including vehicles parked on the streets / barriers.
