Senate ratifies Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Tuesday ratified the measure which seeks to penalize the construction of structures and planting of tall growing plants along power line corridors.

With no objections, the upper chamber approved the bill.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, head of the Senate committee on energy and primary author and sponsor of the measure, said Senate Bill No. 2098 or the “Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act of 2018” will help avoid power interruptions caused by obstructions.

Gatchalian said the bicameral conference committee adopted the Senate version of the measure with two substantial changes.

First, any person, whether natural or juridical, public or private, cannot prevent or refuse duly authorized agents of the owner or operator of power lines’ entry to the property to remove power line obstructions.

And second, the measure affirms the power of eminent domain granted to distribution utilities and the transmission concessionaire in the respective franchises, subject to relevant provisions of the rules of court.

Under the measure, those who build obstructions and dangerous structures, plant tall growing plants, conduct hazardous activities within the power line corridors or which may impair the delivery of power supply or cause damage to power lines will be penalized.

Those proven to violate the measure will face imprisonment of one to six months or a fine of P50,000 or both for the first offense; imprisonment of six months to six years or a fine of P100,000 or both for the second offense; and six years to 12 years jail term or a fine of P200,000 for the third offense.

Once ratified by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill will be sent to Malacañang for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature. (Editor: Eden Estopace)