DILG says it is ready to follow Duterte’s order to reclaim public roads

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday assured President Rodrigo Duterte that his order to reclaim all public roads that have been used for private purposes will be followed.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the agency will look to duplicate the success of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in clearing off vendors from the capital city’s vital roads.

“Well nakita natin dito sa Metro Manila na may mga roads na ginawang tiangge, tindahan ng vendors at ginawa ring parking areas so we will change that katulad ng ginagawa sa Manila ni Mayor Isko Moreno, ‘yung Divisoria malinis na ngayon tinggal niya yung mgavendors dito,” Año said during the Post-Sona press briefing.

Año said the DILG will also make an inventory of all roads in Metro Manila which are now being used as private roads.

He also said that they will try to forge a deal with gated subdivisions near the metro’s main thoroughfares to open their roads to motorists and be used as alternate roads during rush hours.

“Secondly, gusto din natin magkaroon ng kasunduan with the gated subdivisions. During the rush hours may mga kalsada diyan na pwedeng daanan ng public para makatulong. Gawin nating secondary or alternate roads,” he said.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, Duterte asked Año to suspend mayors or governors who would not heed the order to reclaim all public roads that have been utilized for private purposes.

This was among the government’s initiatives to help ease traffic congestion.  /muf

READ: Duterte orders Año: Suspend mayors, governors refusing to clear public roads