DILG to LGUs: Schedule roadworks or face sanctions

On orders of President Duterte, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) asked all local government units (LGUs) in the country to compel contractors to properly notify the public before undertaking any road projects or risk facing stiff sanctions.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said the president was firm in addressing the recurring complaints of Filipinos regarding stalled road projects and the dangers they pose to the public.

“Our President was clear in his orders to eliminate the hazards posed by stalled and ongoing road projects to the public. Local chief executives should therefore ensure that contractors will duly notify the public about scheduled road projects and undertake measures to ensure their safety,” said Año.

He said governors and mayors should likewise see to it that there is no delay in the completion of road projects to avoid more inconvenience to the public.

“Ensure that they are strictly following the timelines that they have set for their road projects because further delays would be a big hassle to the public and businesses in the area,” he pointed out.

Año warned that non-complying LGUs may face sanctions, which is tantamount to negligence of duty punishable in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations, and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

“We will not take this sitting down. The problems posed by stalled road projects and ultimately, of an uninformed public have pestered our kababayans in many parts of the country. If the LGUs will not monitor the actions of their contractors, we have no choice but to apply the law,” he said.