Court upholds firm's exclusive right to sell ads at MRT

MANILA, Philippines - A private firm said that the Supreme Court has upheld its exclusive right  to sell advertising space at the EDSA-bound Metro Rail Transit (MRT) trains and stations.

Bing Kimpo, chief marketing officer of out-of-home media company Trackworks, said that the SC has issued two rulings late last month that both upheld the agreement forged by their company with the Metro Rail Transit Development Corp.

In its decision on a case filed by the Metro Manila Development Authority when it sought to dismantle the advertising billboards and signages put up by Trackworks’ customers, the SC reaffirmed the right of Trackworks as the only legal entity authorized to  sell advertising opportunities on the MRT.

 A promulgation authored by the High Tribunal cited the validity of Trackworks’ existing contract with the owner of the MRT as the reason for junking a petition by the MMDA.

Early this year, Branch 67 of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court also issued a stay in proceedings, as it directed Trackworks and MRT Devco to submit themselves to arbitration.

 Both parties are currently engaged in a dispute over advertising rights on the MRT-3.

 “The twin rulings are a positive development – they give us and our clients the reassurance that business will continue as usual at the MRT,” said Kimpo, noting that advertisers are now beginning to appreciate the real value of the strategically located marketing medium.