The regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Central Visayas (DILG-7) with a composite team validated the reports on clearing of illegal structures and obstructions on city roads here.

The DILG is expected to submit the results of the two-month road clearing operations on Saturday (Oct.5).

DILG Region seven regional director Leocadio Trovela said the composite team is composed of Farah Gentuya of the provincial DILG Office, city local government operations officer Christopher Pastor, and representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the city engineer’s office, non-government organizations, and civil society groups.

In an interview, Trovela said local chief executives will be issued show-cause order for failure to implement the presidential directive as embodied in Memorandum Circular No. 2019-121 dated July 29, 2019.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier directed during his 4th State-of-the-Nation-Address that all roads must be cleared of illegal structures and other obstructions.

Trovela said the DILG will use the results of the inspection by the validation team as a basis for further actions.

He noted substantial results during the ocular inspection and validation in the clearing of public roads in the region although the level of compliance would still have to be determined.

All provinces, highly urbanized cities, cities, and municipalities have been required to submit an inventory of all roads within their jurisdictions and for mayors to revoke permits that give authority to private entities to occupy public roads, alleys, and other thoroughfares.

They have also been directed to observe prudence in placing street signs and signages as not to exacerbate the problems of obstructions. (PNA)