QC clearing ops continue after 60-day deadline

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed confidence that the citywide clearing of obstructions and illegal structures will be sustained even after the 60-day period given by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Belmonte said the city is deputizing barangays to ensure that the city’s streets are free of any obstructions.

She required barangay officials to report their accomplishments to her office every week.

“It cannot be avoided the practice of being evicted and, thinking the government is not serious about the effort, they return to the site. We have to show them that we are sustainable,” Belmonte said.

The Quezon City government has also deputized barangay public safety officers to issue citation tickets to violators.

Barangays have been asked to look for empty lots that the QC government can purchase for them.

The city tapped the services of towing companies and has purchased wheel clamps that will be used in anti-illegal parking operations.

On dealing with illegal vendors, Belmonte said they will relocate hawkers to public markets.

The city will also develop vending sites for vendors affected by the clearing operations.

It cannot be avoided the practice of being evicted and, thinking the government is not serious about the effort, they return to the site. We have to show them that we are sustainable.

“In terms of the vendors, one of my philosophy is no one should lose their livelihood. Losing their livelihood is not an option for me,” she said.

Barangay halls that are encroaching sidewalks will be relocated as soon as possible, she added.

“I have asked the barangays to look for open lots in their vicinities that the QC government can purchase, as long as the price is legally viable,” Belmonte stressed.

The mayor has been going around the city to inspect day care centers, barangay halls and markets that are obstructing and/or encroaching public roads and sidewalks. She also engages the vendors and barangay officials to resolve issues.