Metro streets to be cleared of illegally parked vehicles

The government is set to embark on a major crackdown on illegally parked vehicles in Metro Manila and other regional centers to ease traffic conditions.

President Duterte has ordered concerned government agencies to clear major roads of illegally parked vehicles and impose penalties on violators.

The President issued the order to complement the government’s 19trillion infrastructure development program to improve the country’s transportation network in the

next five years.

“All of these strategic road and transport projects shall go to naught if we cannot free our streets, which continue to be obstructed by illegally parked vehicles, ‘yang EDSA na ‘yan, traffic obstructionists or undisciplined drivers who stop in the middle of the road, and unsanctioned barriers in some areas,” Duterte said in his Stateof-the-Nation Address on Monday.

“I am directing the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) and the LGUs (local government units) of Metro Manila, as well as the LGUs of Metro Cebu and of all our regional centers, to ensure the free flow of traffic,” he said.

He said these government units must “immediately clear our roads and thoroughfares of all unnecessary obstruction, including vehicles parked on the streets and barriers (not) sanctioned by the government, and penalize all traffic obstructionists regardless of stature.”

Duterte said that when he assumed office, traffic along EDSA was already “horrendous as it was the horror of the other administrations.

Duterte recalled that he tried to get Congress’ help to raise money for transport projects but was rebuffed. Instead, he sought the help of China who offered to build two bridges “free of charge” to ease the traffic conditions in Metro Manila.

The President said the government is aiming to usher in the “golden age of infrastructure” in the country, with plans to build more airports, roads, bridges, and ports in the next five years.

He said the government would spend 18 trillion to 19 trillion for infrastructure development – 5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017 to 7 percent of GDP by 2022.

“We will make the next few years the ‘Golden Age of Infrastructure” in the Philippines to enhance our mobility and connectivity, and thereby spur equitable growth and development in the country. In other words, we are going to Build, Build and Build,” he said.

Suspend barangay heads

In line with the crackdown on illegally parked cars, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is joining with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in suspending barangay officials who allow illegal parking and vendors, following the directive of President Duterte to clear roads of obstructions.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said the MMDA, DILG, and Metro Manila mayors have agreed to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to ensure that barangay officials do their responsibility of maintaining the roads cleared by the MMDA.

“The MMDA together with the LGUs will seriously clear obstructions that aggravate our perennial traffic situation,” said Lim.