Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino today filed an urgent motion before Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 133 to allow the Agency to roll down billboards in view of the possible onslaught of typhoon “Pedring”.
On September 1, Judge Elpidio Calis granted the Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines’ (OAAP) petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the MMDA’s anti-billboard campaign.
The TRO enjoined the MMDA to stop the enforcement of its Memorandum Circular No. 10 Series of 2011 regulating the display of advertising billboards along major roads and open spaces. The TRO lapsed on September 22.
The Motion was filed in deference to the current status quo agreed upon by MMDA and OAAP during the last court hearing held on September 21.
“I find it necessary to file the motion to prevent any possible accident or damage that may be brought upon to lives and property by falling billboards along the major thoroughfares, particularly with the coming tropical storm,” Tolentino said.
The MMDA head cited the example of Typhoon Milenyo which hit Metro Manila in 2006 and toppled trees and billboards which led to loss of lives and property.
A significant number of billboards were taken down when MMDA intensified its campaign against billboards found to be violating provisions set in the National Building Code.
Last month, during the height of typhoon “Mina”, one man died and eight were injured after a wall with a billboard structure on top along Quirino Highway in Novaliches, Quezon City collapsed due to strong winds and heavy rains.
According to Tolentino, he is hopeful that the judge will see the merits of the motion and grant his request.
“Our primary concern here is public safety,” Tolentino said. MMDA Public Affairs Service
