Gatchalian to MMDA: Enforce stricter guidelines for billboards, outdoor advertising signs on major Metro Manila roads

(Eagle News)–Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday, Jan. 12, urged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to implement stricter guidelines for billboards and outdoor advertising signs along major metropolitan roads.

Gatchalian made the statement after the Automobile Association Philippines  aired its concern about the presence of giant LED projector billboards along EDSA.

The AAP said these may distract drivers and cause road accidents.

“Mukhang nagiging overcrowded na naman kasi ang mga daan natin with giant billboards,” Gatchalian said.

He also  renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 995 or the Billboard Regulation Act.

The bill, filed in August 2016, establishes setback requirements and a minimum distance between structures.

It also  limits the size of the display surface and height of billboard structures, and  bans the obstruction of traffic signs and landscapes while designating billboard-free zones.

“There is as definite need to restore order in our streets and in our properties and we can start by correcting mistakes spawned by the liberal interpretations of laws on buildings and structures as these apply to billboards,” he said.