FLAG DOWN BILLBOARDS-REVILLA

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla called on billboard owners to temporarily remove their billboards in anticipation of the strong onslaught of tropical storm Mina.

The senator urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately issue a directive to billboard owners, including those with billboards installed in Metro Manila, to detach their advertisement panels for the time being until the storm leaves the Philippine area of responsibility.

This was the appeal of Revilla in view of news reports that the storm may develop into a super typhoon.

"Let's learn from our past experience. We don't want incidents during the wrath of Milenyo last year to happen again, where several billboards in Metro Manila fell at the height of the typhoon, which resulted to casualties and damage to properties, "Revilla reasoned out.

In his capacity as chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works, Revilla, together with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), conducted an inspection of the damaged advertising structures along EDSA and South Luzon Expressway (SLex) after Milenyo wreak havoc in the metropolis.

"Right now, we do not want to be caught off guard once again. Temporary removal of billboards will not lessen the profit of the advertised products. It would rather result to positive response from the buying public for they will realize the concern of the billboard owners on their safety, "Revilla stressed.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that tropical storm Mina, with international codename Mitag, continued to gather strength overnight as it crossed near Catanduanes province Thursday morning.

The weather bureau said the storm may hit Metro Manila late evening Friday or early Saturday. The storm may also affect provinces in Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon .

At the same time, Revilla appealed to the public, especially those in the rural areas, to cooperate with the concerned government agencies to assure their safety during the strike of the foreseen super typhoon.

"Residents in affected low lying areas and near mountain slopes must be on alert for flashfloods and landslide. On the other hand, people in coastal areas should be watchful of big waves. They must evacuate if they are advised to do so," the lawmaker said.