Go Bayani Fernando!

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned all advertisers Sunday to stop posting their commercial displays on electric lampposts and other government structures or face legal sanctions.

“We will strictly implement the demolition of all illegal commercial displays such as posters, streamers and billboards which endorse consumer products because all these advertisements are all subject to abuse,” MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said.

He vowed to file appropriate criminal charges against violators of the ban on posting advertisement materials and billboards on electric lampposts, government structures and rights of way.

Fernando said he found several illegally posted billboards of Shell, Trinoma, AMA and Samsung on lampposts and other government structures, which clearly violate the existing provisions of the National Building Code of the Philippines.

MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno said the MMDA has the authority to remove illegally posted and oversized billboards, especially those placed on rights of way.

Fernando cited that under the National Building Code, billboards and similar structures should be situated not less than 100 meters away from major thoroughfares.

He said Administrative Order 160 authorized the MMDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), among others, to dismantle billboards and commercial advertisements constructed within road easements, rights of way as well as those without permits.

The advertising companies, according to Fernando, must first secure permits from the local government units (LGUs) and the MMDA as provided for under MMDA Regulation 04-004 before they can install their commercial billboards, streamers and the like on government structures in Metro Manila.

Fernando said the MMDA owns and is tasked to maintain electric lampposts in Metro Manila.

“We expect that with this information you will enjoin your advertisers to strictly observe the provisions of the National Building Code and other related rules and regulations in the conduct of their business,” he said.

Fernando asked advertising companies to observe their civic duty and place their corporate interest second to making Metro Manila safer, orderly and progressive.
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