DPWH intensifies drive vs roadside encroachment

MANILA, May 19 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is appealing for local government units (LGUs) participation in maintaining rightful space for motorists and pedestrians along national roads and sidewalks.

DPWH National Capital Region Director Melvin B. Navarro made the statement following another round of clearing operations along the newly-widened Road Radial 10 (R-10) in Manila.

Director Navarro said recurrent road obstructions along R-10 vary from illegally-parked vehicles, vendors, garbage, permanent and temporary structures.

“Note that while we are doing our best to improve and widen our national roads especially here in Metro Manila, we can’t maximize its use with persistent road encroachment that can be prevented if only people obey the 6-meter easement rule of road right-of-way (RROW),” said Director Navarro.

“This is why we call on the public, especially our LGUs to help us monitor and strictly enforce the law to ensure safety of our motorists and pedestrians,” added Director Navarro.

The provisions of Section 23 of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 178 also known as the Revised Philippine Highway Act which prohibits the use of road right-of-way for temporary and permanent structures such as buildings, houses, shanties, stores, shops, stalls, sheds, canopies, and billboards. (DPWH)