Isko slams duplicate street signs in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city government slammed the apparent duplication of street signs in some parts of the city, calling it “useless spending” of government funds.

During a Facebook live broadcast of the Manila Public Information Office on Sept. 5, Mayor Isko Moreno flashed the viral post by the group “TAYO ANG Liwanag” that showed two street sign poles bearing the same information: Pedro Gil and Felix Streets.

One had a green background while the other had blue and carried the seal of the Manila city government. The post garnered 3,600 reactions with 2,500 using the angry emoji.

Moreno said the “installation of reflectorized street name signages located at Districts 1 to 6” project was approved by his predecessor and had a budget of P39.9 million. As of Friday, the project was reported to be 82.59 percent complete.

He criticized the project, saying the older street signs were still readable and visible at night.

The fund, he added, could have been spent for more sensible projects such as the procurement of health-related equipment.

Moreno said he has allowed the city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works to decide which of the overlapping street signs to remove.

He also thanked netizens for alerting the city government about the issue.

Field personnel apparently chose to remove the street signs with green background, according to photos from the Manila Public Information Office.