Street obstructions in Manila scored

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza warned yesterday all barangay captains against tolerating video machines and street carnivals, commonly known as peryahan, which encroach on streets and sidewalks or face legal sanctions.

Atienza issued the directive following complaints from residents about the proliferation of video machines and peryahan in some barangays, which are considered obstructions because they are built on the streets and sidewalks.

The mayor said barangay captains should set a good example for their respective constituents by following the rule of law. There are 897 barangays in Manila.

He tapped officials of the Manila Department Public Services (MDPS), the Manila Task Force Zero Obstruction (MTFZO) and the Western Police District-Special Operations Group (WPD-SOG) to carry out clearing operations.

MDPS chief Rafael Borromeo reported that one of their teams conducted a two-day operation on P. Paredes street, Plaza Noli, Sta. Teresita street, Batanes street and G. Tuazon street, all in Sampaloc to rid them of illegal structures, which occupy big portions of the streets and sidewalks.

Alexander Pamilosa, the husband of Tomasa Pamilosa, chairperson of Barangay 463, reportedly owned some of the illegal structures cleared in Sampaloc.

According to Borromeo, they have received numerous complaints from residents in the area regarding the proliferation of video centers, one of which is located just beside the barangay hall of Pamilosa.

Pamilosa denied that their establishments were illegal structures.

"We have photographs and video tape to prove that the video centers were on the streets and sidewalks. It is clearly stated in his permit that the license to operate will be revoked if the establishment is considered an obstruction," Borromeo added. – Cecille Suerte Felipe