DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines – As election season nears, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson reminded politicians their names and faces did not belong on public works equipment and billboards, or anywhere near construction sites.
“DPWH contractors shall not be allowed to place names or pictures of politicians on their equipment or carry political billboards on their equipment, otherwise, these contractors shall be held accountable,” said Singson in a statement Thursday.
Singson also reminded contractors of the 100-meter easement between Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects and political billboards.
“No political billboards shall be installed 100 meters before and after all DPWH projects and in between the project limits or within the road right-of-way,” Singson said.
The secretary reiterated his order on the proper installation of project signboards at public works sites.
“I noticed that up to now some project billboards are not properly installed and some of our projects still do not have the required billboards with the standard size of 4 feet by 8 feet,” Singson said.
“That is why I have directed all DPWH regional directors, project directors and district engineers to see to it that ongoing projects within their areas of jurisdiction have the required project billboards,” he said.
Singson said the project signboards were “very important” because they provided information such as the contractor’s name, start date, completion date, contract cost, name of foreign consultant if any, implementing DPWH office and funding source.
“Some ongoing projects have installed project billboards but with incomplete information,” Singson noted.
He also directed that “flagmen” be assigned at project sites 24/7 to manage the flow of traffic, especially on major roads.
Singson urged the public to report any violations of the rules on billboards or other wrongdoing they may encounter at public works construction sites through the DPWH 24/7 hotline 165-02.