• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered the clearing of roads of illegal obstructions, and tasked all punong barangays to actively do the same in their respective jurisdictions.
In Executive Order 15 dated July 11 but made public July 14, Gasataya declared as nuisance per se “illegal structures sitting on public roads, sidewalks, and shoulders – including makeshift stalls, unauthorized vending posts, and any other encroachments”, per City Ordinance 09-17-8140.
He tasked City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, or his duly-designated officer, to issue a notice to vacate to property owners, vendors, or individuals responsible for the obstruction, giving them a non-extendible period of 10 days to voluntarily remove the illegal structure.
These obstructions shall then be “summarily removed” by the city at the expense of the owner or vendor if they failed or refused to comply within the prescribed period. “Care shall be taken to avoid unnecessary damage to public or private property during the clearing operations.”
The EO also states that punong barangays, who failed or refused to enforce the order may be sanctioned administratively.
It shall also be the primary responsibility of the barangay to maintain public roads, sidewalks, and shoulders free of obstructions, Gasataya stressed as he formed a task force to conduct enforcement, monitor barangay compliance, and recommend legal or disciplinary action against non-complying officials.
Bacolod shall maintain clear, accessible, and safe streets and roads for the use of all citizens. “This EO establishes a systematic and enforceable framework for the removal of obstructions from public roads to ensure order, safety, and efficient traffic flow in the city.”
Gasataya said the City Engineering Office, Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department, and other concerned departments, will conduct regular inspections and mapping of road obstructions within city streets, sidewalks, and right-of-way areas.
“Violators of this EO shall be penalized in accordance with existing city ordinances,” he added. “The city government may also impound vehicles or remove goods obstructing roads, impose fines, and file appropriate administrative or criminal complaints.” | CGC
