2 mayors deny not complying with road clearing operations

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Philippines — Two town mayors in this province yesterday denied allegations that they did not comply with President Duterte’s order to clear roads of obstruction.

Mayors Joseph Uayan of Sagay and Mayor Helenio Abecia of Guinsiliban were among an initial list of 10 mayors facing administrative charges for gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct before the Office of the Ombudsman, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Sunday.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular 2019-121 in July last year, which gave local government units 60 days to reclaim public roads from private use.

Uayan said road clearing operations were conducted in his town.

He said they trimmed trees along the road, towed parked cars and relocated a house built on the sidewalk.

Uayan said he was surprised to be included on the list of mayors facing charges, noting that they complied with the requirements set by the DILG.

Abecia said the municipal government of Guinsilban also complied with the DILG order.

He said they cleared streets of illegal vendors and removed a basketball court.

Abecia and Uayan said they are ready to answer the complaints filed against them.

Año said the mayors failed to give satisfactory answers to show cause orders from the DILG after the local governments registered the lowest validation scores during evaluation and monitoring.

He urged the ombudsman to immediately act on the complaints and suspend concerned local chief executives.

The DILG is preparing for another round of road clearing operations for 75 days, Año said.