Koronadal City, South Cotabato – A formal meeting regarding the Road Clearing Operation was held on March 3, 2021, at the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) Mini Conference Room.
The road clearing operation is in compliance with the directives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), particularly DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-145, issued on October 28, 2020.
The MC with the subject “Continuation of Road Clearing” was addressed to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, heads of local sanggunians, DILG Regional Directors, the BARMM Minister of Local Government, and all others concerned regarding the continuation of road clearing.
It was based on Republic Act 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, particularly Section 4 thereof which states:
“Section 4. COVID-19 Response and Recovery Interventions. –xxx.
(II) Regulation of traffic on all roads, streets, and bridges, and access thereto; prohibit putting up of encroachments or obstacles; authorize the removal of encroachments and illegal constructions in public places; and perform all other related acts;” xxx
It was on February 7, 2020 or before the COVID-19 pandemic has reached the Philippines, when the DILG issued MC 2020-027 or the Continued Implementation of the Presidential Directive to Clear Roads of Illegal Obstructions.
However, consequent to the declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through Proclamation no. 922 on March 8, 2020, and the implementation of community quarantine throughout the country through Executive Order No. 112, the DILG has suspended the implementation of MC 2020-027.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Engineer Marnilo S. Aperocho, Provincial Assessor Engr. Felix S. Sadiang-abay, Jr, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Marnito B. Cosep, Provincial Environment Management Officer Siefred M. Flaviano, the representative of the Secretary to the Sanggunian, Ms. Faye Kim Wee, Board Secretary IV, and the PEO Staff.
