PSTMO vows to clear ‘Super’ of obstructions by August

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

THE Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) assured that Iloilo Terminal Market or “Super” will be free from illegal structures and street obstructions by August 2019.

PSTMO Head Jeck Conlu made the assurance in a phone interview Thursday following the memorandum issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas for the strict enforcement of road clearing operations in Iloilo City, in accordance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“With the full support of the President and Mayor Treñas, wala sang rason nga indi ta magtrabaho. For the first time, sa liderato ni mayor, sige-sigehon gid namon ang pagkuha sang tanan nga illegal obstructions sa dalan sa siyudad,” Conlu said.

According to Conlu, their first target is the Iloilo Terminal Market, which they intend to clear by August.

From July 25-26, Conlu said their team will go around the city to document the different areas and streets with obstructions.

“Naglibot na ang amon team para mag-document sang tanan nga may obstruction. It may either be illegal parking sang mga salakyan or structure that obstruct national, city roads, and sidewalks,” he stressed.

Conlu said they will then meet barangay officials to discuss the obstructions to be followed by the issuance of notices to the owners.

The PSTMO said that they will give ample time for those who will receive notices to “self-demolish” the obstructions.

But after the grace period, Conlu said there will be no exemption once they enforce the road clearing operations.

“Kuhaon gid naton, wala sang exemption, tanan even barangay halls, outpost, basketball rings, or kun ano pa da nga ga-obstruct sa dalan,” he said.

As of now, Conlu said that they are preparing for the needed vehicles like trucks for the operations.

He added that the mayor has planned to allocate 3,000 to 5,000 square meters of the Calajunan dumpsite in Mandurriao for the dismantled structures.

While some sectors might raise their eyebrows at the operations, Conlu said they will start with “Super” and the main roads as soon as possible.

“Although, damo man ang sector nga indi kumpirme sini but ang aton layi is layi,” he stressed.

Treñas issued a memorandum on July 24 for the strict enforcement of road clearing operations in the city, in lieu of the directive of the President.

“Effective immediately and in accordance with directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, you are hereby directed to go around the city including all barangays to verify any obstructions and illegal constructions along national highways and barangay roads and to clear and demolish the same,” he said.

In his fourth SONA, Pres. Duterte directed all local officials to do immediate action for the speedy and smooth flow of vehicular traffic. He ordered the reclamation of all public roads that are being used for private purposes.