(Eagle News)–The Department of the Interior and Local Government will start checking the compliance of local government units to a DILG memo for them to clear public roads of obstructions by Monday, Sept. 30.
In a statement issued by Interior spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, the DILG said DILG validation teams will be deployed to the LGUs to make sure they meet the criteria set in DILG’s Memorandum Circular 121-2019 that was based on President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive.
He said each team was composed of a local government operations officer and representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, a DILG-accredited non-government organization, and the media.
“Those who are found to be non-compliant will be issued show-cause orders by Secretary (Eduardo) Año before their names are submitted to the President,” Malaya said.
He urged the LGUs to “fast-track the road clearing operations in their respective jurisdictions,” noting that only two days were left before their 60-day deadline lapses.
He urged them to use their powers “without fear or favor,” noting that under the Local Government Code, they were the “primary disciplining authority over your Punong Barangays.”
“We urge the public to support your respective LGU officials and to immediately self-demolish structures that have encroached on a public street or road,” Malaya added.
