Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 28) — Local government units have until mid-January to clear roads of obstructions under a revived program beginning middle of November, the Interior and Local Government department said on Wednesday.
“Sisimulan na po ulit ang (We will again implement) road clearing starting November 16,” Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.
DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-027 issued in February directed the continued implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to clear roads of obstructions.
Año said the program will vary depending on the quarantine classification of a local government.
He said the program will be fully implemented in areas under modified general community quarantine, and partial execution in general community quarantine areas, in particular for the establishment of bike lanes.
Road clearing may be suspended in areas under stricter quarantine protocols.
Interior spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said parked ambulance or public emergency vehicles, government checkpoints, and temporary obstructions caused by the establishment of bike lanes are exempted from the program, while temporary shelters of locally stranded individuals must be removed upon their return to their provinces.
Malaya also said motorized pedicabs and tricycles will be banned on national roads and highways.
Local government compliance will be validated on Jan. 18-22. Those who will fail will face administrative charges, the DILG said.
