Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10709
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Road safety is a paramount concern that directly impacts the lives and well-being of 
residents in the Fourth District of Leyte, within Region VIII of the Philippines. This district, 
characterized by a blend of urban and rural areas, relies heavily on its road infrastructure for daily 
transportation needs, commerce, and social interactions. However, the presence of improperly 
placed lamp posts, that have been left behind during road widening  projects has become a 
persistent issue, posing significant risks to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. 
The essence of the problem lies in the obstruction these misplaced, left-behind lamp posts 
create. Originally intended to provide illumination and enhance visibility at night, many of these 
posts have become hazards in new roadways, narrowing lanes and impeding the smooth flow of 
traffic. This situation not only increases the likelihood of accidents but also contributes to traffic 
congestion, delays, and frustration among commuters. 
In response to these challenges, this proposed House Bill aims to mandate the Department 
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII to automatically allocate funds specifically 
for the removal of hazardous lamp posts along the roads of the Fourth District of Leyte for the 
calendar year 2025. The primary objective is twofold: to enhance road safety and to ensure that 
the roads are utilized effectively and efficiently for their intended purpose—safe and seamless 
transportation. 
The legislative measure calls for a comprehensive approach. Firstly, it mandates the 
DPWH Region VIII to conduct a thorough survey and assessment of all existing misplaced lamp 
August 5, 2024
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posts resulting from DPWH road widening projects.. The DPWH shall subsequently develop a 
plan and allocate funds for such removal. 
Secondly, the bill proposes that any upcoming and future road widening project in the 
Fourth District of Leyte, must come with a built-in budget for the removal of misplaced lamp posts 
resulting from such projects.  
Close cooperation with local government units and other stakeholders will be essential to 
address any logistical challenges that may arise during the implementation phase. It also 
emphasizes the replacement of removed lamp posts with alternative lighting solutions that meet 
stringent road safety standards and do not compromise visibility or road usability. 
The passage of this House Bill shall ensure the safety, well-being, and prosperity of the 
residents and travelers in the Fourth District of Leyte. By mandating the removal of hazardous 
lamp posts and promoting proper road management, we are making a proactive investment in the 
district's future.  
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10709
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS 
REGION VIII TO AUTOMATICALLY IMBED FUNDS FOR THE REMOVAL OF 
MISPLACED LAMP POSTS IN ALL PROJECTS IN THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF 
LEYTE TO PREVENT ROAD ACCIDENTS AND ENSURE PROPER ROAD 
UTILIZATION FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2025 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
 SEC. 1. Declaration of Policy. –  It is the policy of the State to ensure the safety of its 
citizens and the efficient utilization of public infrastructure. In line with this policy, it is 
imperative to address the perennial problems of road accidents caused by misplaced lamp posts 
due to road widening in the Fourth District of Leyte. 
SEC. 2. Mandate. –  The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 
VIII is hereby mandated to allocate and utilize funds for the Calendar Year 2025 for the purpose 
of removing all misplaced lamp posts along the roads in the Fourth District of Leyte. 
SEC. 3. Scope and Coverage. – This Act shall cover all national, provincial, and municipal 
roads within the Fourth District of Leyte where lamp posts are found to be obstructive and pose a 
hazard to road users. 
SEC. 4. Removal of Misplaced Lamp Posts. –  The DPWH Region VIII shall: 
a) Conduct a comprehensive survey and assessment of all roads in the Fourth District of
Leyte to identify misplaced lamp posts that resulted from DPWH road widening projects


requiring removal; 
b) Develop a budget, funding and implementation plan for the removal of old lamp posts 
for all upcoming and future DPWH projects through the automatic inclusion of such 
allocation in project budgets to make such removal of lamp posts a required expenditure in 
DPWH VIII  projects  in the Fourth District of Leyte; 
c) Coordinate with local government units (LGUs), Leyte 5 Electric Cooperative, Inc.  
(LEYECO 5) and relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and address any 
concerns related to the removal process; and 
d) Ensure that all removed lamp posts are replaced with alternative lighting solutions that 
do not obstruct the roadways and adhere to road safety standards. 
         SEC. 5. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall 
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the Calendar Year 2025 under 
the budget of the DPWH Region VIII. 
 
SEC. 6. Reporting. – The DPWH Region VIII shall submit a quarterly report to the House 
of Representatives and the Senate on the progress of the implementation of this Act, including the 
number of lamp posts removed, the cost incurred, and any issues encountered. 
      
         SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Public Works and 
Highways (DPWH) Region 8, in close coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local 
Government (DILG) and relevant Local Government Units (LGUs), shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations to ensure the effective implementation of this Act within ninety 
(90) days from its effectivity. 
 
SEC. 8. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, or 
parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
         SEC. 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at 
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
     
     
Approved,