After billboards, obstructions on roads, waterways are next

Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. ordered yesterday the intensified clearing of roads and drainage systems and the dismantling of all illegal structures that cause traffic accidents and flooding.

Ebdane directed regional and district engineers to inspect highways, bridges, culverts and drainage canals in their respective areas and immediately remove all obstruction, even as the department continues the dismantling of illegal billboards.

This developed as billboard operators and product advertisers agreed to adopt a policy that no advertising shall be placed on billboards that violate existing laws, as the private sector’s contribution to the government’s effort to regulate the outdoor advertising industry.

In an unprecedented move, the Advertising Board of the Philippines (AdBoard) declared in its latest policy statement on the billboard issue, that it will not approve contracts for billboards that violate the law as provided in the National Building Code.

Ebdane said the focus of the new demolition order are squatter shanties along canals, waterways and underneath bridges that contribute to the perennial flooding problem in Metro Manila.

"We have to prevent conversion of public highways, waterways, and infrastructures for our own private use," Ebdane added.

He said illegal structures within the right-of-way of national roads that cause traffic congestion also pose danger to both motorists and pedestrians.

Ebdane said stores, vulcanizing shops and other commercial establishments that have encroached on the road right-of-way will be demolished. He said the law prohibits construction of any structures that encroaches on the road’s right-of-way.

He assured owners of illegal structures that written notices will be issued to them to give them time to transfer to another area.

Ebdane, however, warned stubborn owners of illegal structures that proper charges will be filed against them if they refuse to demolish their establishments.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified its road clearing operations after typhoon "Milenyo" wreaked havoc in Metro Manila last Sept. 28, toppling electric posts, trees and billboards along highways.

One person died when a billboard collapsed on a passing vehicle in Makati City at the height of the storm.

The department’s Task Force Oplan Baklas Billboard said some 2,240 unsafe and illegal billboards have been dismantled nationwide as of Thursday.

AdBoard recognizes OAAP

Meanwhile, the AdBoard also recognized the Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP) as the self-regulatory representative in the outdoor advertising industry. Outdoor advertising companies that are non-OAAP members should abide with the provisions of the National Building Code, the statement said.

OAAP is composed of more than 85 member-companies engaged in the billboard advertising business.

The AdBoard, in consultation with its members, shall establish and submit the appropriate government agencies the specifications for billboards.

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando said the move of the billboard operators not to place advertisements on illegal billboards effectively directs the advertisers to be more cautious in choosing contractors.

Fernando, who attended the press conference yesterday, said the MMDA welcomes the latest move of the advertisers.

He said the unity and cooperation between the government and the private sector will lead to a city that is free of dangerous billboards that have become eyesores to urban dwellers.

OAAP chairman Carlo Llave said the support of advertisers was a result of the advertising industry’s commitment to help the government address the safety concerns over billboards in the aftermath of typhoon Milenyo.