DPWH getting ready vs ad agency

The Department of Public Works and Highways is girding for a courtroom battle with an advertising agency trying to stop the DPWH from removing its advertisements installed on electric posts along EDSA in Quezon City.

Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane had earlier ordered advertisements installed on electric posts removed to avoid distracting motorists.

However, City Advertising Ventures Corp. obtained a restraining order from the Makati City Regional Trial Court. It said it had forged an agreement with Manila Electric Company, allowing the ad agency to use the power retailer’s electric posts for advertising.

Ebdane said they are ready to go to court. "There will be argumentative work here. But I believe that anything done illegally is null and void so we maintain our position that their memorandum of understanding holds no water."

Ebdane said his department is considering charges against City Advertising, claiming that the agency has no arrangement with Meralco.

"Our background check showed that they are not even recognized by Meralco. This is usurpation and we need to discipline them. Meralco suffers for what they do."

Ebdane added that "evidences presented by the petitioner were simply unbelievable." He did not elaborate.