THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will file cases against barangay officials who fail to conduct a weekly clean-up drive.

Rita Gotiangco, DILG officer of Mabalacat City, said DILG Secretary Eduardo Año issued Memorandum 2019-07 dated January 23, 2018 in connection with the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program initiated by President Duterte and the national government.

All barangay officials and employees in the province and the entire Central Luzon region are required to participate in the clean-up drive every Saturday of the week, according to her.

"During our launching, all of the barangays participated. Otherwise, they will have sanctions, they may be charged. There are many laws involved like the Clean Air Act, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or the Republic Act 9003 and others," Gotiangco said.

The solid waste management law, which covers solid and liquid waste, should be implemented by the local government units down to the barangay level, she added.

Some mayors in the country are now facing charges for failing to implement Republic Act 9003, Gotiangco said.

The DILG official at the same time lauded and thanked Mayor Cris Garbo for leading the city's clean up drive.

Gotiangco said the city and barangay officials started cleaning waterways linked to the Pampanga River and drain into Manila Bay.