Solon introduces bill to curb unauthorized construction, obstruction of public roads and bridges

 COTABATO CITY – To ensure the safety, convenience, and unobstructed flow of traffic, Bangsamoro legislators have introduced a measure aimed at prohibiting the unauthorized construction, alteration, and obstruction of public roads and bridges.

The bill's authors have emphasized that only authorized government agencies should be permitted to regulate the use of public roads and bridges.

They underscored the alarming trend of private individuals encroaching upon public thoroughfares by erecting unauthorized structures, creating obstacles, and misusing these vital infrastructures.

Instances of erecting speed bumps or barriers without official approval, dredging unauthorized canals, and converting roads into solar drying areas or exclusive parking spaces for personal gain have raised serious concerns.

These unauthorized activities not only impede the smooth flow of traffic but also jeopardize public safety, particularly that of motorists.

Member of the Parliament Hussein Muñoz pointed out that beyond the threat to motorists, these unlawful constructions and obstructions can lead to significant delays in emergency responses such as patient transportation, military and police operations, firefighting, disaster management, and more.

The proposed legislation defines public roads comprehensively, encompassing all roads and bridges funded, maintained, or under government control, national highways, provincial, city, municipal, and barangay roads, sidewalks, drainage systems, and even the airspace above them.

The definition of bridge extends to all public bridges, along with their components such as railings, braces, posts, and the spaces underneath.

Once enacted, the bill would criminalize the unauthorized construction, alteration, or obstruction of public roads and bridges. Any object deemed hazardous or causing inconvenience would also be subject to removal. Public officials found to have consented to unauthorized activities could face penalties and disciplinary action.

A first-time offender would be fined P500 for an initial offense, escalating to P1,000 for a second offense, and P2,000 plus up to one day of imprisonment for third and subsequent offenses.

The burden of expenses for removing unauthorized construction and restoring altered roads or bridges would fall upon the person responsible for their creation.

The measure grants authority to local government units to enforce the law within their respective jurisdictions. Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlunsod, and Sangguniang Bayan would be responsible for roads and bridges under provincial, city, and municipal control, respectively.

Local barangay officials, supported by their respective city or municipal governments, would be entrusted with the task of removing unauthorized structures and objects.

BTA Bill No. 232, or the Anti-unlawful Construction, Alteration, and Obstruction of Public Roads and Bridges Act, is authored by Suharto Esmael, Abdullah Hashim, Matarul Estino, Atty. Mary Ann Arnado, Tawakal Midtimbang, Bassir Utto, Suwaib Oranon, Mudjib Abu, Mohammad Kelie Antao, Abdulaziz Amenodin, and Said Shiek.  (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)