Candelaria prepares renewed clearing of road obstructions across town

By Rowena T. Cruz Members of Candelaria’s Municipal Road Clearing Operations Task Force inspect road obstructions along Cabunag Street, Bar...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Members of Candelaria’s Municipal Road Clearing Operations Task Force inspect road obstructions along Cabunag Street, Barangay Poblacion, ahead of the Sept. 1 resumption of clearing operations ordered by Mayor Ogie Suayan. (MPDC Candelaria)

CANDELARIA, Quezon — Keeping public roads open, the municipal government will resume strict enforcement against obstructions on streets, sidewalks and other public spaces beginning Sept. 1. Municipal Ordinance No. 001-2019-2022, or the Anti-Public Space Obstruction Ordinance, will serve as the basis for renewed road-clearing operations across the town.

On Aug. 14, the Municipal Road Clearing Operations Task Force inspected and inventoried obstructions along Cabunag Street in Barangay Poblacion upon the directive of Mayor Ogie Suayan. Vendors, establishments and others who may be affected were also notified in advance, giving them time to remove structures, merchandise and other encroachments voluntarily.



The ordinance prohibits selling food, merchandise and services in places where these activities impede pedestrians or vehicles. It applies to portions of streets and sidewalks occupied for commercial activities or other uses that interfere with their function as public passageways.

Covered food items include snacks, taho, beverages, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and other products sold in prohibited locations. Newspapers, cigarettes, flowers, brooms, watches, jewelry, footwear and other merchandise are likewise covered when their sale creates an obstruction.

Individuals and associations face a ₱500 fine for a first offense and ₱1,000 for a second violation under the ordinance. A third or succeeding violation carries a ₱2,500 fine, imprisonment of up to one month, or both, subject to the court's judgment.

Commercial and industrial establishments face an ₱800 fine for a first offense and ₱1,500 for a second violation. A third or succeeding violation may result in a ₱2,500 fine, cancellation of the business permit and imprisonment of up to six months.

The inspection also allowed the task force to identify obstructions before the townwide operation and notify those expected to be affected by the renewed enforcement. Once clearing resumes, authorities will apply the ordinance to remaining violations as the municipality works to keep its streets and sidewalks passable, orderly and accessible.