Duterte signs Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act

INQUIRER FILE

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure that would ensure continuous and uninterrupted transmission and distribution of electricity in the country.

Duterte signed the Republic Act 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act on August 8. A copy of the law was shared with the media by Senator Win Gatchalian, chair of the Senate committee on energy and primary author and sponsor of the bill in the Senate, on Tuesday, August 13.

The new law prohibits the planting of tall-growing plants, the construction of hazardous improvements, and the conduct of any hazardous activities within the power line corridor.

It also outlines the duties and responsibilities of power line owners and operators in the prevention and removal of disturbances or obstructions to the power lines, whether located on public or private property.

The new law likewise authorizes power line owners and operators to seek the assistance of local government officials, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines in the discharge of their duties.

In a statement Tuesday, Gatchalian hailed the signing of the law and said it is “timely for the rainy season when powerful typhoons barrel through our country.”

“Again, we thank the President for the timely signing of this measure, which ensures the uninterrupted conveyance of electricity from the power generating plants all the way to the end-users – the consumers, business, and vital installations in the country,” he added. /kga