With President Rodrigo Duterte ordering Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año to direct local government units to clear roads and highways of obstruction, it has now become a headache for local officials as they may be forced to strike political allies.
Some sources claim barangay officials may be involved in money-making schemes, along with partnerships with other local executives, with regard to these illegal structures. Meanwhile, mayors appear to be pleased with the president’s order as they can point the finger at him when it comes to implementing the order; local officials can claim the removal of squatters and illegal vendors was not their doing and are, essentially, freed of their fear of upsetting the electorate. When local officials are afraid of their constituents, democracy is in a sad state—it indicates local administrations are in shambles.
A senator likened it to the situation of Pontius Pilates as mayors, in their effort to obey the president, pass responsibility onto barangay officials.
For Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, he did not need the president’s order to put his jurisdiction in order. From day one, he showed his political counterparts that service without fear is possible and that more people will appreciate his deeds than those who grow disgruntled.
Two decades back, when I served as Bacolod City traffic consultant, I always stressed, the improvements I make will not affect votes for the administration. I even informed them the new tasks would increase their votes but some remained scared for their political future.
Today, driving around Bacolod City, one notices those living along the city’s sidewalks and local officials unaware of how it creates a bad image for the city. Such eyesores can be seen along Alijis Road, in front of Puregold-Banago, along San Juan Street, the Banago Bridge, and more.

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This column greets Art Colmedora, Tata Lacson, Bobby Tee, Batch Carbon, Jhnny Dubouzet, Karen Dinsay, Jonathan Lobaton, Tintin Mansinares, Evelyn Ong, Renato Novero, Paulo Araneta, Jerry Sy, Francis Velez, and Raymond Dabao./WDJ