DILG: Road clearing to resume November 16

MANILA, Philippines — The road clearing program will resume next month in areas under modified general community quarantine or MGCQ, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced yesterday.

In a memorandum circular, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año ordered local government units (LGUs) to resume road clearing operations beginning Nov. 16.

Año said roads should be cleared of obstructions by Jan. 15 next year.

“The LGUs are given enough time to comply with the order. They are reminded that road clearing is a year-round activity that requires sustained effort and implementation,” the DILG memorandum read.

Jonathan Malaya, spokesman for the DILG, said partial implementation of road clearing operations is allowed in areas under GCQ.

Malaya said LGUs in areas under MGCQ should fully enforce the directive of President Duterte to clear public roads of obstructions.

The 75-day road clearing operations of LGUs nationwide, which started on Feb. 17, were suspended in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The DILG has ordered LGUs to clear public roads within 60 days. Failure to comply within the period would merit a show cause order or administrative charges against local officials.