DPWH resumes ‘Oplan Baklas Billboard’

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be back on the road next week as it resumes its campaign against illegal billboards and structures after a month-long holiday break.

DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. reiterated that they would not hesitate to dismantle billboards or any structure that would be found illegally built, structurally unstable or with questionable permits.

"We will continue to enforce Administrative Orders 160 and 160-A of President Arroyo on the implementation of the National Building Code to assure the safety of the general public," Ebdane said.

The Public Works chief said Oplan Baklas Billboard would continue in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local building officials nationwide as part of the government’s bid "to assure that all billboards comply with the existing rules and regulations of the National Building Code."

Ebdane stressed that they would also check major roads nationwide to determine if some dismantled billboards were restored during the holiday break.

The DPWH had suspended its inspection and dismantling operations last month so as not to contribute to massive traffic jams during the holiday season.