60-day deadline: Pasig clears sidewalks of illegal gov’t structures

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto. (File photo by TRISTAN TAMAYO / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — In compliance with the order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to clear the roads in 60 days, the first step of the Pasig City government is to clear all sidewalks of “illegal” government structures.

READ: 60-day countdown for LGUs to clear public roads starts Monday – Año

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said Thursday that this is to set an example to the city residents to have the initiative to clear the roads and sidewalks of all obstructions.

“Magsisimula kami na [tanggalin] yung ginawa ng city dati na ilegal na nakaharang sa daan, ‘yung mga barangay outposts at outposts ng enforcers na nakaharang sa daan,” Sotto told reporters in an interview during clearing operations in Pasig.

“Paano natin sasabihin sa mga kababayan natin na ‘huwag kayong humarang sa daan’ kung ang government mismo ang gumagawa noon kaya ‘yung local government structures ang inuuna po namin,” he added.

This morning, the @MMDA led clearing ops along the Pasig-Pateros border.

Last night,our LGU cleared several CITY-BUILT OUTPOSTS.

Pano natin sasabihan ang mga kababayan natin na wag silang magtatayo ng mga istruktura sa kalsada kung ang LOKAL NA GOBYERNO MISMO ang gumagawa nito? pic.twitter.com/2Pm13Ac312

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) August 1, 2019

Sotto joined the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in its clearing operation on Thursday morning. MMDA personnel removed a security outpost located at the intersection of San Joaquin, Pasig City.

The Pasig City mayor also expressed joy upon learning that some of the local residents are already taking the initiatives themselves to clear the roads.

“Actually, natutuwa po ako kasi marami sa ating mga kababayan, nagkukusa na. Generally speaking, very compliant mga Pasigueño,” Sotto said.

“May lugar kami na pinupuntahan tinatanong nila kung bawal ba ito, at kung bawal, sila mismo tinatanggal na mga obstruction,” he added.

On the city’s issue on illegal transport terminals, Sotto said he has instructed the Traffic and Parking Management Office of Pasig to scout for an area where a permanent terminal can be established for commuters.

“Kulang na kulang po ang mass transportation dito. What we have been doing, we have been identifying permanent terminals para sa kanila,” he said. /jpv