DPWH: Removal of hazardous traffic signage in Bacolod legal

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The removal of traffic signages that obstruct the road-right-of-way in this city is legal, according to Department of Public Works and Highways acting district engineer Josefino Melgar Jr.

Melgar said the DPWH implemented last week "Operation "Baklas" removing billboards and traffic signage, which either violated the easement standard of three meters from the national roads or deemed public nuisance or improperly erected.

The public works official issued this statement in reaction to Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson who warned Melgar to explain why the DPWH removed the traffic signage along city streets.

Sayson said the DPWH-Bacolod got an order from its national office to clear of obstructions the four national roads here-Lacson, Araneta and Burgos streets, and the Mansilingan road going to Murcia town-but he argued that the order did not mean traffic signage but illegal structures like shanties.

Bantay Banwa, the donor of several traffic signages, also reportedly questioned the DPWH's action. 

Melgar countered by citing Administrative Order No. 160-A signed by former president Gloria Arroyo in October 2006 ordering the DPWH to inspect and determine which among billboards and signage are hazardous to the public, and to have these dismantled.

He also cited the Civil Code, and the National Building Code, which prohibits billboards and signboards that confuse the public, or obstruct the free passage of people along the streets "as to constitute traffic hazard."

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo has also issued memorandum circular 68 dated July 26, 2010, ordering governors and mayors "to strictly enforce the required easement on national roads and protection of the road-right-of-way from intrusions and illegal structures." 

On September 23, 2010, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson ordered his regional directors and district engineers to comply with the administrative order by removing illegal structures and obstructions.

Melgar further said that on December 1, last year he wrote City Mayor Evelio Leonardia informing him that the DPWH will implement "Operation Baklas" in removing illegal structures like posts canopies, billboards, signage, advertisements, fences, walls, railings, garbage receptacles and all other structures occupying or protruding to the sidewalk or shoulder situated within the RROW. - THE FREEMAN