All Public Roads in the Metro Set to Be Cleared by September

(SPOT.ph) Driving in the Metro is probably one of the weirdest and most exciting experiences people have on a daily basis. Where else in the world do drivers have to battle with some of the most outlandish things right on public roads? We don't have sidewalk vendors, we have them right there on the street. Basketball courts are practically painted on the asphalt, and god forbid you try to drive through when they're in the middle of a heated game. Plus, don't forget the full-on birthday parties—and wakes—that spill out from garages and take form in tents on the road. Well, it looks like the government is about to take action. The Department of Interior and Local Government will give Metro Manila mayors until September to clear up their respective roads of any obstructions. 

"Ang kalsada ay ginawa para daanan ng commuters, hindi para gawing tindahan o parking [space]," said Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año in an interview with DZBB. "Sa pakikipag-usap ko sa mayors at city administrators baka humingi ng palugit 'yan, umabot ng 60 days. Pero ang gusto ko diyan bago mag-Setyembre o within September malinis na lahat," he told DZBB. 

The clearing will include all possible obstructions on city roads. This includes everything from parked cars, vendors, the makeshift basketball courts, and yes, even those set up by local government units like satellite stations of barangays and police precincts. 

This comes after fresh directives were given by President Rodrigo Duterte during his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 22. During his speech, he said that he wanted to reclaim public roads being used for private means to help ease traffic. Duterte specifically called on Secretary Año to ensure that Metro Manila city mayors comply, adding that Año should suspend them if they don't.