Draft Manila ban on eyesore posters sparks hot debate

THE ELECTION-SEASON clutter in Sta. Mesa, Manila, in May 2013. INQUIRER File photo

A proposed Manila city ordinance that bans posters and streamers on lampposts, trees, utility cables and other public fixtures would certainly be applauded by urban renewal advocates.

But it was still questioned by some city councilors who argued that passing the measure was tantamount to making a similar, election-related ban applicable all year round.

The draft ordinance, authored by District 6 Councilor Leilani Marie Lacuna, was approved on second reading earlier this week after a heated debate among the local legislators.

Some councilors, like Rodolfo Laxamana of District 2, pointed out that if the ordinance would be passed, they could no longer hang streamers and posters all year round, including those expressing greetings to their constituents during fiestas and other holidays.

“I actually don’t have an objection to the ordinance, but as we all know we politicians have to follow a Comelec ban on posters during the election period. Will this ordinance mean that we (politicians) are no longer allowed to put up posters and streamers 365 days of the year?” he asked.

Laxamana was referring to a Commission on Elections resolution prohibiting candidates from putting up streamers and posters bearing their names ahead of the official campaign season.

Lacuna replied: “I know we put up posters with greetings from time to time. But this ordinance is needed to discipline the people of Manila. Anyway, during the campaign period, we can still put up posters in common poster areas. And outside the election period, we can also ask owners of private structures and properties to (accommodate) our posters and streamers.”

Apparently not satisfied with Lacuna’s answer, Laxamana requested District 2 Councilor and Majority Floor Leader Marlon Lacson for his opinion.

Lacson sided with Lacuna, noting that the ordinance would not only help instill discipline among ordinary Manila residents but also among politicians.

“Posting streamers and posters on electric posts and trees should really be illegal,” Lacson said. “It is being abused by ordinary people and politicians alike.”

“I think it is high time we passed this ordinance. I myself stick to Comelec rules and put up posters on common poster areas and private properties. If you go to Las Piñas City, candidates have posters only in common posting areas. In other countries, politicians write directly to their constituents and they also organize town hall meetings. Maybe we can lead the change,” he said.

Under the ordinance, first-time violators will be issued a warning, but repeat offenders face a fine of P1,000 for the second offense and P2,000 plus imprisonment for a third.