The Quezon City government has reminded officials of barangays whose roads have been cleared of obstructions that it’s their responsibility to ensure that the streets remains free of illegally-parked vehicles and illegally-built structures.
The city government, through its Department of Public Order and Safety, is closely working with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in clearing roads and streets – especially those identified as ‘Kalayaan Lanes – of obstructions to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
QC DPOS recently requested the MMDA to conduct a joint clearing of illegally parked vehicles and road and sidewalk obstructions in Barangay Tatalon following complaints from residents which were coursed through the city’s Public Affairs and Information Services Office (PAISO).
A total of 24 vehicles that were illegally parked along BMA and Kitanlad Streets were taken to the MMDA impounding area in Marikina City.
The QC DPOS likewise restored the road right of way to give pedestrians a safe place to pass.
“This Department is turning over to your jurisdiction the maintenance and responsibility to prevent the return of illegally parked vehicles in the streets/area of your barangay,” QC DPOS chief Elmo DG San Diego said in his legger to Barangay Tatalon chairman Rodel N. Lobo.
“We trust your commitment to make Quezon City free from all kinds of street obstruction,” San Diego added.
Earlier this year, the MMDA intensified its campaign against barangay officials who continue to condone violations of the no-parking and tow-away zone which has contributed to slow down of traffic flow in Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares.
The Department of Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) also issued a memorandum enjoining all barangay chairmen “to ensure that all roads within their area of jurisdiction are free from all kinds of obstructions.”
In a memorandum dated Apr. 12, 2017, DILG-NCR said that President Duterte has instructed its office and the MMDA to sue barangay officials who neglect or refuse to cooperate with concerned agencies in clearing roads of all types of obstructions.
“The DILG-NCR, in coordination with the city/municipal mayors who exercise supervisory power over barangays, through the City Management Office of the LGU (local government unit), will monitor barangay actions in carrying on the task in clearing local roads from (sic) obstructions. Administrative complaint for neglect of duty will be filed with the concerned Sangguniang Panlungsod and/or to the Office of the Ombudsman that roads are free from any obstructions,” the memorandum read.
The MMDA previously filed before the Ombudsman administrative cases against several barangay chairmen in Metro Manila for failing to clear local roads of obstructions. These roads had been initially cleared by MMDA personnel.
The public is enjoined to report illegal parking and obstructions by calling the Quezon City Hotline ng Bayan 122 or MMDA hotline 136
