The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently preparing the detailed master list as well as guidelines on validation and prioritization of payment on the relocation of electric poles that are within road right-of-way (ROW).
According to Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anne Sharlyne G. Lapuz, the DPWH Legal Service and Regional Offices Right-of-Way and Legal Division (ROWALD) nationwide agreed to take proactive steps and give serious attention to the relocation of obstructing electric poles which is a common issue especially in ongoing and newly-widened roads across the country.
A second coordination meeting of DPWH lawyers was held recently and participated by Undersecretary Lapuz, together with DPWH Assistant Secretary for Legal Service Mel John I. Verzosa, DPWH Legal Service Director Gliricidia C. Tumaliuan-Ali, DPWH Regional Office 4B Director Gerald A. Pacanan and Assistant Regional Director Melquiades H. Sto. Domingo.
“By the end of our meeting, we have agreed to formulate a standard procedure in the actual and physical validation of electric poles located within government’s ROW. We will also prepare a detailed master list and the transitory guidelines in the prioritization of payment and relocation of electric poles considering we are working with P50 million budget in 2023,” said Undersecretary Lapuz.
Moreover, Undersecretary Lapuz ordered the close coordination of DPWH with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) on the proposed courses of action.
Other topics that were discussed during the recently-held meeting include Policy Direction for Audit, ISO and Right-sizing, ROWA, and latest legal opinions.