Ad firms vow to abide by billboard rules

Responsible advertising firms belonging to an association of billboard operators operating in Metro Manila assured the public that their structures abide by the rules set by the National Building Code (NBC).

With this pronouncement, the group backed the Metro Manila Development Authority’s effort to rid major thoroughfares of dangerous and illegal advertising materials.

Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP) president Francisco Abueva said their organization has been policing its own ranks for more than 40 years now to ensure all members comply with the structural standards of existing laws while also respecting road right of way.

"Members of the OAAP are all required to follow the NBC when constructing their structures and are reminded to keep public safety a primary concern," Abueva said in a press conference in a Makati City hotel yesterday.

The group decided to break its silence after the billboard advertising industry, in general, was subjected to negative publicity because of the collapse of several structures along EDSA.

As far as being tagged as distractions is concerned, OAAP said the public generally enjoys seeing colorful and bright advertisements.

On the alleged lack of structural and road safety mechanisms, the group said a billboard structure is just as safe as any building, house or infrastructure in the metropolis today.

OAAP assured the public that structures erected by its members are safe and stable since they even exceed the standards set by the NBC.

"We should not be blamed for the incidents involving billboards. In fact, we are all for regulation and we support the plan of the MMDA to remove illegally placed billboards along major thoroughfares," Abueva said.

He added that it is the job of the MMDA to remove all illegally placed advertising materials, especially along major roads if they violate the law.

Abueva himself noted that the NBC does not allow advertising materials that block national road’s right of way like sidewalks and center islands. — Michael Punongbayan