Metropolitan Manila Development Authroity Chairman Bayani Fernando ordered yesterday the removal of all posters, banners and other advertising materials posted on rights of way along the 24-km. stretch of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) as part of its “Metro clear roads” campaign.
Fernando said the attractive photos of movie and sports personalities couped with catchy phrases distract motorists traveling along EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila which usually lead to accidents.
The MMDA led by its general manager Roberto Nacianceno has started tearing down advertising materials posted on lamp posts and other non-designated poster display areas along EDSA and other major roads to prevent more accidents.
“We are not singling out any firm. We even took down the posters and banners of Bayantel and other announcements made by politicians supporting the administration. Metro clear road also involves the removal of eyesores not only the clearing of roadways, sidewalks and waterways” Nacianceno said.
On prodding of the public, Fernando also extended the MMDA’s sidewalk clearing operations to remove obstructions on national and inner roads.
Fernando said in the past, they limited the obstructions to major thoroughfares.
“The MMDA will now undertake the same duties that are included in the Metro Road project to the 3,000 km. roads in the metropolis to minimize traffic jams. Let me stress that the removal of illegal posters, banners and advertising displays are included,” Fernando said.
Fernando said they will not also issue permits to any individuals or groups to sell their wares on road rights of way.