World | Philippines
Dismantling of hazardous billboards in Manila starts
A government agency has started dismantling giant advertising billboards in Manila in response to complaints from relatives of a taxi driver who was killed and more than 50 others who were injured by toppled billboards when typhoon struck Manila last month.
- By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 October 11, 2006
Manila: A government agency has started dismantling giant advertising billboards in Manila in response to complaints from relatives of a taxi driver who was killed and more than 50 others who were injured by toppled billboards when typhoon struck Manila last month.
Hermogenes Ebdane, secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said about 90 per cent of an estimated 2,161 advertising billboards along major roads in Metro Manila are substandard and should be dismantled.
It would take two months for the DPWH to finish the job, said Ebdane.
He also declared a nationwide moratorium on the installation of billboards and similar forms of outdoor advertising. He said the ban could run for one to two months."
Typhoon
Many of the billboards have violated building codes and were erected without building permits. Many of them have substandard materials.
On the first week of his campaign, personnel of the public works department and another agency, the Manila Development Authority (MMDA), have inspected almost 500 billboards, 60 of which were dismantled.
After typhoon Xangsane whipped up a calamity in Manila and in nearby provinces, President Arroyo created a task force led by the DPWH and assisted by various government agencies for the dismantling of hazardous billboards along major roads in Metro Manila.
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