Senator seeks probe on collapse of billboard along EDSA

MANILA, Philippines - Administration Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago filed on Thursday a resolution seeking to probe the collapse of two billboards along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) which wounded five people and caused damage to properties. "Advertising is acceptable, provided it takes a form that does not endanger lives and property. However, illegal billboards have claimed lives and damaged property over the years," Santiago said in Senate Resolution 723. Aside from the billboard owners, Santiago said local government officials should also be blamed prosecuted for approving the erection of billboards in violation of the National Building Code and other safety standards. Santiago believed there are some local government officials who colluded with and accommodated private entities and individuals in putting up illegal billboards that pose danger to life and property. "It is unforgivable that the culprits for the injuries caused by the falling billboards should go unpunished," Santiago said. She said officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) blamed the Quezon City government for issuing permits for two of the billboards. "It is the local government's duty to ensure that billboard structures do not pose hazards to passersby and onlookers," Santiago said. The senator has advocated the strict regulation of billboards. During the 13th Congress, she worked to get Malacañang to certify her Anti-Billboard Blight Bill urgent. "My bill garnered the overwhelming support of my fellow senators. The Senate passed it during the 13th Congress," Santiago said. "Unfortunately, the counterpart bill that was filed in the House of Representatives 'died a natural death'." Santiago re-filed the bill in the 14th Congress. "Our present laws are inadequate to address the need to eliminate billboard-related mishaps. My bill will impose stricter safety standards for billboards, and will punish erring billboard owners, users, and government officials," Santiago said. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV