Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. eae.

Introduced by Representative EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The integrity of the country’s public utility infrastructure is a matter of public
interest that cannot be understated.

Indisputably, this infrastructure is meant to deliver essential services such as
electric, internet, cable and telephone services, not to mention water and other
essential goods. As such, a stringent policy must be set to safeguard this public
interest in order to ensure convenience and the continuous and unhampered delivery
of such services.

Every now and then, despite regulations on poster areas promulgated by the
Commission on Elections pursuant to the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act
(RA) No. 9006, candidates for elective positions still make use of electric wires and
cables as common poster areas. Perhaps, it is the absence of a penal law, except in the
case of posting on trees which may already be covered by RA No. 3571, that allows
this practice. Not to mention the fact that even the posting of advertisements for some
commodity products is made on electric poles and other public utility infrastructure.
This has to be abated not only for the sake of public interest but also on environmental
and safety grounds. Needless to state, the use of electric wires as a poster area
increases electricity losses in the process aside from the danger it poses to the
community.

This proposal is not intended to proscribe reasonable means in the utilization
of public utility infrastructure, especially if it serves the public better. Rather, it seeks
to address the nuisance being practiced in the use of poles, cables, wires and other
public utility infrastructure to the detriment of delivering essential goods to the
consuming public.

Respectfully submitted.

EVELINA ESCUDERO

WZ,


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

8481

Introduced by Representative EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

AN ACT
PENALIZING THE POSTING OF ADVERTISEMENT AND
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS ON PUBLIC UTILITY POLES, WIRES
AND CABLES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared as a policy of the State,
consistent with the constitutional prescriptions on public interest, service and
convenience, to ensure the integrity, safety and appropriate use of its public utility
infrastructure regardless of ownership.

Consequently, a regulatory framework imposing sanctions is hereby adopted
to address the inappropriate use of public utility infrastructure to the detriment of the
consuming public and even the environment.

Sec. 2. Coverage. - This Act shall include any and all public utility poles, wires
and cables or other similar public utility infrastructure meant to provide, facilitate or
assist the delivery of public utility services such as electric, cable, internet and
telephone services in the country.

Sec. 3. Prohibited Act and Penalty. - It shall be unlawful for any person to
post, by any means or manner, advertisement or campaign materials, of any kind and
for any purpose, on public utility infrastructure such as poles, wires and cables.

Any person who shall violate such prohibited act shall suffer the penalty
of one (1) year fo two (2) years imprisonment and a fine of at least One Hundred
Thousand Pesos (Php 100,000.00)

If the person found guilty of violating this provision is a candidate for
any election or an incumbent government official, he or she shall likewise suffer the
penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification to hold office.


On the other hand, in cases where the person is a juridical person, the
officer, employee or director responsible for the commission shall be made to suffer
the applicable penalty provided in this provision.

Sec. 4. Implementing Regulations. - For the effective implementation of this
Act, the Department of Justice shall within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this
Act shall promulgate the detailed regulations consistent with the provisions of this
Act.

Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, and rules and regulations
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

Sec. 6. Separability Clause. -If any provision or part of this Act is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and

subsisting,

Sect. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.

Approved,