BACOLOD City – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded officials in all 61 barangays in this city to strictly comply with road clearing directives to avoid possible administrative sanctions.
DILG-Bacolod City director Christian Nagaynay warned that failure to comply with these mandates could serve as grounds for administrative complaints, which may be filed before the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the Office of the Ombudsman, or even appropriate trial courts, depending on the nature of the offense.
“Non-compliance with laws and policies may be subject to administrative cases,” Nagaynay said, though he did not elaborate on specific cases currently under review.
City Ordinance No. 09-17-8140, series of 2017, declares all illegal structures on public roads as nuisance per se and mandates the City Legal Office (CLO), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) to conduct regular clearing operations and submit monthly reports.
In addition, various DILG Memorandum Circulars — including DILG MC No. 2020-027 and 2023-145 — direct all local government units (LGUs) to continuously implement road clearing programs. Non-compliance may constitute gross neglect of duty and may warrant administrative sanctions.
To reinforce this directive, Mayor Greg Gasataya issued last week Executive Order (EO) No. 015, series of 2025, that mandates the clearing of street and road obstructions and outlines measures for effective implementation.
The EO also established a task force, led by the City Mayor, to oversee enforcement, monitor barangay compliance, and recommend legal or disciplinary actions against non-complying officials. The task force includes representatives from the DILG, CLO, CEO, BTTMD, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Nagaynay emphasized that barangay officials should actively support initiatives like road clearing — not merely out of fear of sanctions, but because they are duty-bound to promote the general welfare of their constituents.
“Road clearing is not just a directive; it is a vital public safety measure that helps maintain peace and order and supports the development efforts of our barangays,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the collaboration between the city government and barangays: “Our call is for action. The DILG-Bacolod City, together with the city government under Mayor Greg Gasataya, assures our 61 barangays that we are building a better Bacolod — stronger together, one barangay at a time.”/PN
