Political ads now allowed on public utility vehicles; guidelines stressed

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reminded operators to comply with the guidelines on transit advertisement as it lifted the ban on political ads on public utility vehicles (PUVs).

The LTFRB issued a memorandum on Dec. 23 allowing campaign materials on PUVs in view of a Supreme Court decision stopping the Commission on Elections from prohibiting political ads.  The case against the Comelec was filed by the group 1Utak.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez reiterated on Tuesday, that while political candidates have been allowed to place transit ads, the operators must still follow the requirements and guidelines on how to apply for a permit and how to display the ads.

Operators that will violate the guidelines will be slapped with a P10,000 fine for the first offense, P20,000 for second offense and cancellation of franchise for the third offense.

Operators must apply for a permit with the LTFRB before they can promote candidates using their vehicles. The political ads should not impede the driver’s line of sight and should not reduce the size of required markings, such as the plate number, route and the LTFRB hotline.

The guidelines issued by LTFRB in 2013 also limit transit ads on toppers of jeepneys and taxis. Perforated displays may be placed on the side windows of buses and the back windshield of taxis.  SFM