DILG clarifies road clearing order is nationwide, not only Metro Manila

July 30, 2019

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) clarified Tuesday the directive issued Monday in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s instruction to clear roads of obstructions does not cover local chief executives of Metro Manila but local government units across the country.

“No local government is exempted from the directive.  We are just giving extra attention to Metro Manila because the problem of road obstructions is most acute in the National Capital Region (NCR) but the memorandum circular covers the entire country,” said DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya.

Malaya explained that since the instruction to “reclaim public roads which are being used for private ends” came from Duterte during his Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), the directive applies to the rest of the country.

On July 29, 2019, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular 2019-121 directing all governors, mayors, and punong barangays to exercise their powers essential to reclaim public roads, rid them of illegal structures and constructions, rehabilitate them by placing street names and street lights, and carry out strategies to address possible displacement issues.

“We expect all DILG field officers in the provinces to immediately meet with their respective mayors to brief them on the guidelines issued by Secretary Año on the implementation of the President’s SONA directive and to ensure their compliance,” said Malaya. 

Since road clearing efforts will be a continuing activity, DILG regional offices must submit weekly compliance and progress reports to the Office of the DILG Secretary during the 60-day compliance period.

Malaya said just like Metro Manila mayors, local chief executives outside of NCR may also be recommended for suspension to the President if no significant improvement is seen in their respective areas after 60 days. DMS