Outdoor ads on C-5 torn down

The Taguig City government has dismantled a total of 35 illegally-built giant billboards along C-5 Road.

City Administrator Wilfredo Villar said billboards along the main thoroughfares were built despite the lack of necessary permits from the local government.

Dismantling started in May 2005 after proper notices were given to the owners.

Villar made the clarification in reaction to an statement made by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority-Traffic Operations Center (MMDA-TOC) Executive Director Angelito Vergel de Dios, who blamed local government officials for the proliferation of oversized advertising materials in Metro Manila.

"We do not allow these giant billboards along our main thoroughfares, particularly on portions of C-5 Road and South Superhighway that fall under our jurisdiction. Mayor Freddie Tiñga has ordered a continuing operation against this kind of commercial display in the city," he said.

Villar added that the city government does not issue permits allowing the construction of oversized billboards, particularly along main roads.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor George Elias said the City Council is currently drafting an ordinance to lay down the ground rules on advertisement displays in the city.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. earlier urged advertisers to strictly comply with pertinent regulations, specifically the rule that giant billboards must not be placed within a 100-meters from the center of major or national roads and highways.

The new circular seeks to protect motorists and pedestrians from distractions along major thoroughfares, where vehicles travel at high speed.