Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill No.________
Introduced by Hon. Bernadette Herrera-Dy
AN ACT MANDATING ALL COMPANIES, SERVICE PROVIDERS,
INDUSTRIES, AND OTHER SIMILAR ENTITIES THAT USE WIRES AND/OR
CABLES, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF
PROVIDING TELEPHONE, CABLE, INTERNET SERVICE, AND POWER
SUPPLY TO THE PUBLIC, TO RELOCATE AND/OR INSTALL THEIR WIRE
AND CABLE SYSTEM UNDERGROUND
Explanatory Note
According to the California Public Utilities Commission, when wooden/utility poles
were introduced, the public complained that they are an "eyesore." Recently, people
claim that they are unreasonably risky. Every year, many weather events destroy
above-ground utility poles. In the context of the Philippines, the country experiences
many typhoons due to its geographical location. In a year, there are at least 20 cyclonesl
that hit the Philippines and have caused numerous damages. Due to the recent typhoon,
the National Grid Corporation (NGCP) of the Philippines reported that they are
carrying out aerial inspection and foot patrol of all areas affected since large areas of
land were devastated by the storm. At the same time, the mobilization of line personnel
and equipment will continue as well as restoration activities. This goes to show that it is
a reality of the Philippines to be disaster-prone. Thus, it is necessary to exhaust all
means to ensure safety in all public spaces.
Since 2014, Davao City has begun the work to place traditional overhead wires
underground. With the recent ordinance filed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, the
city government ordered the power utility to construct a system that would place all
cables underground, including those of other utilities such as cable, internet, telcos, and
other pole users. The order also imposed heavy fines on pole users whose lack
1PAGASA report
of cooperation would delay work on the underground cabling of the wires. PLDT,
Smart, Globe, as well as other pole users were also tasked to coordinate with local
government and were made to comply with the requirement. Following this system
would be beneficial to the Philippines because it will not only clear the streets of
tangled wires and unsafe utility poles, but will also prevent and minimize blackouts and
July 6, 2022
8:52 am
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service interruptions. Underground lines and cables prove to be safe and reliable since
they are more calamity-resistant. Also, many poles are replaceable due to age because
it may pose risks to the public. By placing wires underground, poles will also decrease
in number and will be further eliminated since the underground installation system does
not require utility poles to be maintained.
The state must ensure the safety of its citizens. To this end, the state shall pursue a
policy that mandates all companies, service providers, industries, and other similar
entities that use wires and/or cables, especially those that are engaged in the business of
providing telephone, cable, internet service, and power supply to the public, to relocate
and/or install their wire and cable system underground.
The passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
BERNADETTE HERRERA-DY


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill No.________
Introduced by Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy
AN ACT MANDATING ALL COMPANIES, SERVICE PROVIDERS,
INDUSTRIES, AND OTHER SIMILAR ENTITIES THAT USE WIRES AND/OR
CABLES, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT ARE ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF
PROVIDING TELEPHONE, CABLE, INTERNET SERVICE, AND POWER
SUPPLY TO THE PUBLIC, TO RELOCATE AND/OR INSTALL THEIR WIRE
AND CABLE SYSTEM UNDERGROUND
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Nationwide Underground Cable
System Act."
Section 2. Coverage. All companies, service providers, and other similar entities engaged in
the business of providing telephone, cable, internet service and power supply to the public,
and all other industries that use wires and cables in their operations are hereby required to
relocate and/or install all its wires and cables underground within ten (10) years upon the
effectivity of this Act. Wires and utility poles
that are non-operational must also be
dismantled and/or taken down within the given time period.
Section 3. Safety Standards. All wires used must be safe and of high quality. Wires and cables
shall be properly and systematically relocated, fastened, and insulated to assure physical
safety of the public. On areas where wires are located, warning signs and labels must be
placed for public safety and information. These areas must also have a protective strip that
must be kept free of deep-rooting trees and shrubs and buildings are not allowed to be built.
Installation guidelines and safety standards shall be determined by the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and other relevant
stakeholders.
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Section 4. Periodic Inspection. All companies, service providers, industries, and
businesses under this Act shall conduct mandatory periodic inspection of their underground
installations to ensure strict compliance with the standards and regulations as provided by the
Philippine Electrical Code and other relevant laws.
Section 5. Penal Provisions. The following are the imposed penalties of those in violation of
the Act herewith:
1. Any company, service provider, industry, or any similar entity that failed to relocate and/or
establish their cable system underground upon effectivity of this Act shall pay a fine of not
less than one hundred thousand pesos (P 100,000.00) for each day of non-compliance.
2. Any company, service provider, industry, or any similar entity whose relocation and
installation caused any property damages and/or medical emergencies shall shoulder full
costs and pay a fine of not less than double the amount of costs of damages and/or medical
expenses. Their involved personnel shall also be penalized by imprisonment depending on the
gravity of the crime as determined by law.
Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the National Grid
Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Department of Information and Communications
Technology (DICT), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Bureau
of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in
consultation with appropriate government agencies and other stakeholders, shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act.
Section 7. Separability Clause. If, for any reason or reasons, any part of the provision of this
Act shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Section 8. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations, or parts
thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or
modified accordingly.
Section 9. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette and at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,