No extension for deadline in clearing illegal structures — DILG

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Local government officials who fail to comply with the order of President Duterte to clear illegal structures after the Sept. 29 deadline will face sanctions, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año.

Año disclosed that 60 days is enough time for local government executives to remove all illegal structures within their respective areas.

City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan reported on Thursday that 3,234 of the 6,839 illegal structures in 61 barangays of Bacolod City have already been demolished, as Mayor Evelio Leonardia vowed to clear the downtown area of sidewalk vendors by Sunday.

Año said the sanctions on local government officials who are unable to comply with the order of the President would range from a reprimand, suspension, to dismissal from the service.

After the 60-day deadline, Año said that he would review the accomplishments of all local government units (LGUs).

The order stems from the 2019 State of the Nation Address in July, where the President called on local officials to reclaim all public roads. Año formalized the order on July 29 for all LGUs to comply within 60 days.

“All over the country, they are all following. We can do this,” Año said.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier reminded the 31 mayors and the 601 barangay captains of the province to comply with the order of the President.

Año said that Mayor Leonardia reported 60 percent of illegal structures are already cleared. “If we want to discipline our people, it should start with our leaders,” he added.

Leonardia said he is optimistic about complying with the President’s orders before the Sept. 29 deadline.