Quezon City takes down unauthorized ads, campaign materials

MANILA, Philippines — At least 20,000 unauthorized advertisements and campaign materials displayed in public areas were taken down by the Quezon City government as part of clearing operations along major thoroughfares in the city.

City law and order cluster action officer Elmo San Diego said streamers, product posters, signboards, printed notices, decals, stickers and political propaganda were among the materials removed from public spaces and non-authorized common poster areas as designated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“All materials displayed in transport terminals, electric posts, electric wires, bridges, trees and streetlights were removed. Kahit sino pa ang nasa poster, as long as it is in a public property and non-common poster areas of the Comelec, we will remove them because that’s mandated by law,” San Diego said.

He said the local government would clear all roadways in the city in the next few days.

According to San Diego, the conduct of the clearing operations is pursuant to City Ordinances SP-3044-2021, SP-2109-2011, SP-2021-2010, NC-153-90 and Republic Act 3571.

San Diego said the unauthorized display of tarpaulins in public places is prohibited under these ordinances. Injuring or damaging trees by posting stickers is not allowed under Republic Act 3571.

Over 600 law and order cluster personnel went around the major roads in the city’s six districts to remove advertisements in public places and non-designated poster areas.

On March 3, the city government announced the conduct of clearing operations on illegal outdoor media advertisements.

“The clearing operations are not only for tarpaulins, but also for obstructions that are blocking sidewalks and affecting pedestrians. This will continue in the next few weeks,” San Diego said.