Makati village execs warned over street obstructions

Abby Binay—MAKATI.GOV.PH

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay warned barangay officials that they may be suspended or removed from office if they fail to maintain order in the streets earlier cleared of traffic obstructions by the local government.

Binay on Saturday ordered the continued “sidewalk recovery operations” aimed at making city streets more “walkable” or pedestrian-friendly.

“We will continue to clear out all forms of obstruction on our streets and sidewalks, and that includes illegal vendors and their wares. We will apprehend violators of our environmental and traffic laws until they learn to obey the law,” Binay said in a statement.

Aside from leading the clearing operations, city’s environmental services department will also file charges of gross negligence or dereliction of duty against barangay officials who will allow the obstructions to return.

Under the Local Government Code, these offenses are punishable by either suspension or removal from office.

Fine, jail time

Last year, a total of 464 streets and sidewalks in Makati were cleared of obstructions, including those set up by vendors.

A total of 694 persons and two establishments were also found in violation of the Makati Solid Waste Management Code, which requires households and businesses to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings.

Violators face a fine of P1,000 to P5,000, or five days to to a year in jail.