MANILA, Philippines -- Before more typhoons hit the country this year, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has sped up its Operation Baklas [Dismantle] Billboard, taking down 315 of the structures, which had been declared illegal, across Metro Manila on Wednesday.

The controversial posters of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando were among those removed.

Public Works Undersecretary Rafael Yabut said the signs that were removed were located within the road “right of way limit along national roads in Metro Manila” and near power lines, and posed threats to pedestrians and motorists.

“Our main concern is the safety of the general public. This is a renewed effort against illegal and unsafe billboards with the recent ruling from the Court of Appeals that [the] DPWH has the blanket authority to remove illegal and unsafe structures along road right-of-way limits,” he said.

The appellate court granted the DPWH’s petition to void a writ of preliminary injunction issued by the Manila regional trial court (RTC) in favor of billboard firm Astro Advertising.

The appeals court ruled that the DPWH has powers of “regulation as to size and height [and] manner of construction...will be upheld if they have a reasonable tendency to protect the public safety, health, morals or general welfare and do not unnecessarily invade property rights.”

Dismantled were 82 advertising signs located underneath the Light Rail Transit (LRT) line 1 from Baclaran Station to Monumento Station, illegal business signs above waiting sheds along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City and Taft Avenue in Manila, and small business signs near power lines.

Yabut said all advertising companies were given notices of the dismantling prior to the operation, “but failure to comply would force the DPWH to immediately dismantle their billboard structure.”

DPWH national building code executive director Emmanuel Cuntapay, urged advertising companies to voluntarily dismantle all illegal billboards to avoid complications.