Makati sets rules on cell sites, transmission lines

The Makati City Council recently passed an ordinance prohibiting all cellular phone and telecommunications companies from installing cell sites, communication towers and power transmission lines within the city without first securing a clearance from the city’s health department and other concerned government agencies.

Mayor Elenita Binay said Ordinance No. 2001-003, which she signed this week, aims to ensure the safety of residents since recent studies have shown and confirmed that prolonged exposure to radiation emitted by communications towers and base transceiver stations can be harmful to public health.

The ordinance covers the installation of "structures, towers or platforms attached or mounted with communication facilities or antennae with frequency range of 100 kilohertz to 300 gigahertz, including cell cites with frequency range of 900 megahertz."

Binay said that cellular phone and other telecommunications companies must secure a certificate or clearance from the Makati Health Department and the Raditional Health Service before they are allowed to build the above facilities.

Non-compliance of the ordinance shall be penalized with a fine of P5,000 and withholding of issuance, revocation or non-renewal of business or building permits.

"While we recognize the fact that telecommunications is a vital industry today, we can never compomise the well-being of our constituents," the mayor said.

Ordinance 2001-003 was co-authrored by Counciors Ferdinand Eusebio, Meynardo Gonzales, Oscar Ibay, Pedro Ibay, Divina Jacome, Ric Javier, Romeo Medina, Salvador Pangilinan, Nelson Pasia, Astulfo Pimentel, Rico Puno, Liberato Siaron, Johnny Wilson, Jun-jun Binay and Rodolfo Sese.