29.5 C
Manila
Friday, March 29, 2024

Bacolod village execs reminded to comply with road clearing ops

- Advertisement -

Mayor Evelio Leonardia has reminded barangay officials here to strictly comply with their duty on the clearing of illegal structures on public roads as provided in the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2019-121.

In Memorandum Order 11, the mayor informed the barangay captains and other village officials that they have until September 27 “to deliver significant results” and ensure “the sustainability of the clearing operations”.

As of Friday, at least 70 percent of the almost 9,000 identified illegal structures and other unlawful obstructions in the 61 barangays here have already been demolished.

“With the remaining time (until September 27), chances are, we will be near the 100-percent vicinity. The directive is clear in its language that it is substantial compliance. Maybe we will not ask for something perfect, but something near perfect,” the mayor said in an interview on Friday.

In his order dated July 29, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año gave mayors 60 days “to exercise their powers essential to reclaim public roads which are being used for private ends, and in the process rid them of illegal structures and constructions.”

Moreover, in his latest memorandum order, Leonardia stated that the Office of the City Mayor continues to monitor the performance of all barangays concerned, and receive and validate the reports as mandated by the DILG.

“As such, all punong barangays and barangay officials are reminded to strictly observe the mandate in the compliance of their duty provided in the last paragraph of DILG Memorandum Circular 2019-121,” the mayor added.

Portion of said read: “In case of non-compliance, appropriate administrative cases shall be filed pursuant to Section 60 (c) of the Local Government Code of 1991 and other existing laws and policies. Corollary thereto, it must also be the responsibility of all local chief executives to exact accountability and impose corresponding sanctions, after the observance of due process against non-supportive and/or non-compliant local officials and employees.”

Leonardia further said he will still discuss the mechanism or the guidelines on the filing of cases against non-compliant village officials with the DILG.

The mayor also stated in his memorandum order that barangay officials should prevent the construction of illegal dwelling units in areas that have already been cleared.

“Even if the 60-day period is over, if a violation like this occurs, they can still be held liable. It is not just a matter of 60 days and after that, anything can happen. They should sustain it,” he added.  (Nanette Guadalquiver PNA via NDB)

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -