BACOLOD City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued Executive Order (EO) 15 for the clearing of obstructions on streets and roads in the city, and establishing measures for the effective implementation.
Gasataya, who signed the EO on July 11, 2025, said road obstructions such as illegal structures, street vending encroachments, unauthorized parked vehicles, and other public space violations pose hazards to safety, hinder mobility, and violate public order and the rights of pedestrians.
He said Section 7(g) of Republic Act 11292 or "Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019" considers as a criterion for local government unit (LGU) recognition and incentives the maintenance of Safety, Peace and Order, including the implementation of anti-illegal drugs campaigns and efficient traffic management, of which road clearing is a vital component.
He added that City Ordinance 09-17-8140, Series of 2017, declares all illegal structures sitting on public roads as nuisance per se and mandates the City Legal Office (CLO), City Engineer's Office (CEO), and Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (now Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department) to jointly clear all roads within the City limits and submit monthly reports to the mayor and City Council until the full completion of the clearing operations.
The mayor created the task force on road clearing, which he chaired, with his members City Legal Office Karol Joseph Chiu, City Engineers Office head Loben Rafael Ceballos, BTTMD head Reuben Sabig, Bacolod City Police Office director Colonel Joeresty Coronica, Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bacolod head Christian Nagaynay, a representative from Department of Public Works and Highways-Bacolod, and its focal person, Levy Pangue.
The mayor noted that the City Government, through CEO and BTTMD, and other relevant departments, shall conduct regular inspections and mapping of road obstructions within city streets, sidewalks, and right-of-way areas.
Gasataya said illegal structures sitting on public roads, sidewalks, and shoulders -- including makeshift stalls, unauthorized vending posts, and any other encroachments -- are hereby declared as nuisance per se, in accordance with City Ordinance 09-17-8140.
He said the city legal officer or his duly designated officer shall issue a Notice to Vacate to property owners, vendors, or individuals responsible for the obstruction, providing them a non-extendible period of 10 calendar days to voluntarily remove the illegal structure.
He added that post clearing report shall then be issued and furnished to the Barangay having jurisdiction of the area cleared of obstructions.
The task force shall conduct enforcement, monitor barangay compliance, and recommend legal or disciplinary action against non-complying officials.
The mayor also tasked all punong barangays to actively participate in the road clearing operations within their respective jurisdictions.
“Consistent with Section 389(b)(1) of RA 7160, it is their duty to enforce laws and ordinances affecting their barangays. Failure or refusal to act shall constitute ‘neglect of duty’ under Section 60(c) of the Local Government Code and may result in administrative sanctions as may be determined and provided for under the law,” Gasataya said.
Violators of the EO shall be penalized in accordance with existing city ordinances. The City Government may also impound vehicles or remove goods obstructing on roads, impose fines, and file appropriate administrative or criminal complaints.
The mayor said the City Government shall conduct an information drive to raise awareness about the EO, and relevant circulars, and ordinance herein cited, the legal obligations of residents and barangay officials, and the benefits of road clearance to public safety and mobility. (MAP)