BILLBOARDS ON CONDEMNED BUILDINGS ALARM REVILLA

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. expressed alarm over the reported proliferation of giant billboards on condemned or abandoned buildings on the metropolis.

"It is disappointing that some outdoor advertisers are apparently insensitive over the danger of setting up heavy billboards on condemned or abandoned establishments. They are not considering the danger this would cause to motorists and pedestrians alike," said Revilla, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works.

The prevalence of billboards atop buildings that are bound to collapse was revealed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the hearing conducted today by Revilla's committee on Senate Bill 1429 or Anti-Billboard Blight Act.

According to Architect Emmanuel Cuntapay, director of the DPWH National Building Code and Special Bidding Division, there are billboards installed atop abandoned establishments that should be dismantled due to the threat of collapsing.

He cited as example the giant billboard on the abandoned de los Santos Building infront of the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon Avenue and the billboard on an abandoned building in Welcome Rotonda. " Ito talaga ang gusto naming i-eradicate bago magkaroon ng malakas na lindol," Cuntapay said.

Revilla supported the DPWH's position over the urgent dismantling of these billboards that pose danger to the public. "We must dismantle these billboards as soon as possible. The weight of the metal structures and the giant tarpaulins itself further weakens the abandoned buildings," he pointed out. The lawmaker also agreed with the concern of DPWH over the threat of giant billboards installed along the fault line identified by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhilVocs).

However, he emphasized that the DPWH should not wait for the passage of a new law before removing dangerous billboards.

"We must not wait for a strong earthquake before we act. We must remove huge billboards out of the fault line. In effect, we are lessening the number of would-be casualties and damage to properties," Revilla stressed.

He urged all local government units to make inspections on condemned or abandoned buildings on its jurisdiction to determine if it these are being illegally used for the installing of giant billboards.

Revilla assured that all viewpoints aired by the resources persons regarding SB1429 will be considered before coming out with a committee report.

Aside from the DPWH, representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Office of the Solicitor General, Local Government of Mandaluyong City and advertising organizations also attended the hearing.

SB1429 seeks to regulate the placement of non-mobile billboards by identifying areas where it shall be prohibited and setting a maximum allowable measurement.