Gatchalian urges MMDA to regulate use of LED billboards

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday urged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to enforce stricter guidelines on the use of LED billboards along major Metro Manila roads.

Gatchalian issued the statement after the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) expressed concern over the presence of giant LED (light-emitting diode) projector billboards along EDSA, which the association said may distract drivers and cause road accidents.

“The MMDA should be more vigilant in enforcing the guidelines on billboards and outdoor advertising signs they implemented beginning in 2012,” the senator said.

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

With this, Gatchalian renewed his call for the passage of Senate Bill No. 995 or the Billboard Regulation Act.

The senator’s proposed measure seeks to place setback requirements and minimum distance between structures and limits the size of the display surface and height of billboard structures.

The said bill also aims to prohibit the obstruction of traffic signs and landscapes as well as designate billboard-free zones, including areas of historical sites, tourist destinations, and parks.

“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,” Gatchalian said.  /muf