Press Release
October 16, 2008

MIRIAM GOES AFTER LGU OFFICIALS COLLUDING
WITH BILLBOARD OWNERS, USERS

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago now wants to prosecute and jail local government officials who colluded with and accommodated private entities and individuals in erecting illegal billboards that pose danger to life and property.

Last 13 October 2008, three billboards along EDSA fell, thus injuring five people, damaging surrounding property, and causing heavy traffic.

Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) blame the Quezon City government for issuing permits for two of the billboards that fell last Monday.

Santiago today filed Resolution No. 723 directing the Senate committee on public works' subcommittee on billboards, which she chairs, to investigate Monday's incidents involving falling billboards.

"Advertising is acceptable, provided it takes a form that does not endanger lives and property," Santiago said. "However, illegal billboards have claimed lives and damaged property over the years."

Santiago is particularly incensed at local government officials who approved the erection of billboards in violation of the National Building Code and other safety standards.

"It is unforgivable that the culprits for the injuries caused by the falling billboards should go unpunished. It is the local government's duty to ensure that billboard structures do not pose hazards to the safety of passersby and onlookers," Santiago said.

Santiago has long advocated the strict regulation of billboards. During the 13th Congress, she worked to get Malacañang to certify her Anti-Billboard Blight Bill urgent.

"My bill garnered the overwhelming support of my fellow senators. The Senate passed it during the 13th Congress," she said. "Unfortunately, the counterpart bill that was filed in the House of Representatives 'died a natural death.'"

Santiago has refiled the bill during the present 14th Congress.

"Our present laws are inadequate to address the need to eliminate billboard-related mishaps," she said. "My bill will impose stricter safety standards for billboards, and will punish erring billboard owners, users, and government officials."

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