CLEARING OPERATIONS. Clearing operations led by the Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures Division of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) in Iloilo City continue along the JM Basa and Aldeguer streets on Monday (Sept. 16, 2019). Love Joy Hosenilla, PSTMO chief, expressed confidence that they can beat the 60-day deadline for the clearing of national and local roads of obstructions. (PNA photo by Joselito Villasis)
ILOILO CITY -- Mayor Jerry P. Treñas on Monday warned barangay officials here that cases will be filed against those who will not follow the mandatory road clearing order.
In an interview after the regular flag-raising ceremony, he said the city government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will file the appropriate cases against erring village chiefs.
He disclosed that notices have been sent twice to barangay officials, reminding them that the clearing operation is not just for the city government but for them as well.
The city government is eyeing an 85-percent accomplishment in the ongoing clearing of road obstructions in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte during his state of the nation address (SONA) delivered in July.
“The last time we had was 75 percent. We can complete up to 85 percent if we finish the operations at JM Basa, Iznart, Valeria, Quezon and Rizal (streets),” Love Joy Hosenilla, head of the Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures (ASIS) Division of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) said in an interview.
He added the clearing operations of kiosks fronting the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Fort San Pedro and City Mall are almost done. Only two food establishments are left to be taken down at Fort San Pedro.
Hosenilla said that with more than a week left before the 60-day period ends, he is certain that the clearing operations for national and local roads will be completed.
“We can still cope with the remaining 15 percent in the remaining days,” he said.
He admitted, though, that there will be barangay roads that could not beat the deadline.
The ASIS head lamented that there are barangay officials who have failed to demolish their barangay hall.
“I am calling on barangay officials to help us. This is not for us but this also includes our barangays officials,” he said.
Hosenilla said his office is ready to stand witness against barangay officials who are not cooperative in their operations. In fact, he said, there is a 10-man team from the DILG central office that monitors the clearing activities. (PNA)
