More than 9,000 structures block roads in Southern Leyte

MANILA, Philippines – The Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (SLDEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has sent notices to owners of 550 structures that obstruct roads in the province.

Some 54 structures had been voluntarily demolished since September, but there are still 9,224 structures up for demolition.

In a press release on Monday, October 26, the DPWH warned road right of way (RROW) encroachers that they would face consequences if they don’t demolish their structures. 

Out of the 550 notices served, 263 were first notices, 157 were second notices, and 130 were third notices.

“We are firm in informing property owners that it is unlawful for anyone to convert any part of the public highway to his or her own private use,” district engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said.

The issuance of notices is based on Department Order 73, which directed “the removal of all obstructions and prohibited uses within the right-of-way (ROW) of all national roads.”

According to DPWH, the following are considered RROW obstructions:

1. All kinds of temporary and permanent structures, such as buildings, houses, shanties, stores, shops, stalls, sheds, canopies, billboards, signages, advertisements, fences, walls, railings, basketball courts, barangay halls, garbage receptacles, and the like;
2. Posts and towers of Electric Cooperatives and Major Electric Power Distributors; distribution lines; posts for cables of phones and mobile service providers;
3. Driveways and ramps occupying or protruding to the sidewalk;
4. Trees, shrubs, and plant boxes;
5. Humps, whether permanent or temporary;
   Dumping and storage of construction materials, such as sand, gravel, cement, lumber and steel bars, earth spoils, waste materials, debris, embankment, heaps, and the like;
6. Vehicles and equipment, including junked items that are parked, occupying or protruding to the sidewalk or shoulder;
7. Vending, repair of vehicles, and other businesses within the sidewalk and other parts of ROW;
8. Disposal of household/commercial/industrial wastewater and sewage into the sidewalk, curb and gutter, and carriageway;
9. Raising of animals or allowing them to roam within the ROW;
10. Washing and drying of clothes, crops, and similar items

– Reynaldo Santos Jr/Rappler.com