DILG eyes Manila’s formula in clearing roads

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is eyeing to replicate Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s initiative in clearing vital roads in the city to ease traffic congestion.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Moreno’s political will in clearing thoroughfares is  worth emulating by other local chief executives.

He cited Divisoria, a bustling commercial center which was cleared of illegal vendors since Moreno took over from his predecessor, Joseph Estrada.

Moreno has earned praise for his no-nonsense approach in restoring order in Manila, which has suffered urban decay for the past years, Año said.

“Na-clear ito ni Mayor Isko Moreno. Puwede naman palang i-clear, ngayon medyo maluwag na doon,” Año said in an interview over dzMM yesterday.

President Duterte, in his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, ordered the DILG and other concerned government agencies to reclaim public roads that have been used for private purposes.

Año said they will make an inventory of all the roads in Metro Manila that are occupied by flea markets and used as parking areas.

Echoing Duterte’s warning, Año said he will not hesitate to impose sanctions on erring local government officials.

“I will initiate an investigation that will even lead to the suspension of local chief executives who will not follow the direct orders of the President,” he said.

Another option Año is considering is getting the cooperation of gated subdivisions to open their roads for motorists to use as alternate routes during rush-hour traffic.

Duterte’s directive of reclaiming roads will be a priority topic during a meeting of the Metro Manila mayors tomorrow.

Año said they also plan to include local chief executives from the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal as their roads are connected to Metro Manila.

They will also review local ordinances that are in conflict with government efforts to ease traffic.