Following the closure of roads surrounding Iloilo City’s Jaro Plaza, as ordered by Mayor Jose Espinosa III, City Councilor Joshua Alim recently called the move “illegal,” explaining the said roads are considered national roads, which can only be closed following the passage of an ordinance.

Espinosa responded by saying the closure impacts a “half-lane,” insisting the executive order he issued earlier this month was legal.

The closure was made to accommodate for kiosks and other structures associated with the Jaro Agro-Industrial Fair.

Some are claiming politics is involved as the Jaro Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) was granted authority over the fair, allowing the organization to make money through various activities.

Back in October 2017, Espinosa, as acting mayor, ordered the removal of illegal structures from Jaro Plaza after observing kiosks were “causing hindrance to pedestrians as well as motor vehicles,” which he said eventually results in traffic congestion./WDJ