The Metro Manila Council (MMC) passed on Tuesday, May 18, a resolution urging local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to issue ordinances against dangling and tangled wires of telecommunications (telco) and electric posts in Metro Manila.
From L-R: Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, and San Juan City Mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora (Photo by Mark Balmores)
MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, together with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes and other NCR mayors, attended the council meeting that aimed to solve the so-called "spaghetti wires" in the region, which was held at the MMDA head office in Pasig.
According to MMDA Resolution Number 24-16, Series of 2024, NCR cities are urged to “enact and adopt an ordinance regulating and monitoring the construction, installation and maintenance of distribution lines and other appurtenant structures and assemblies of public utilities within their jurisdiction territory.”
The order will be effective once all NCR mayors sign it within the week.
"Ito po ay mga wires ng ating mga telco [telecommunication] companies at networks na nakakabit doon sa mga poste ng Meralco at paglipas ng mga panahon, minsan dekada pa, ay talagang nagpapatung-patong na (These are old, sometimes decades-old wires of telco companies and networks installed on Meralco posts, which have accumulated and become tangled)," Zamora said.
He added that LGUs may also conduct tracing and removal of unused telecom and electric wires, as well as limiting the number of allowed wires per post.
Chairman Artes also noted that each LGU will have its own way of implementing the ordinance, as well as setting the penalties for individuals and companies who will not comply.
On May 31, Zamora aired his support to the proposed Anti-Dangling Wires Act of 2024 introduced by Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr., which seeks to get rid of "spaghetti wires" on major roads and avenues in the country.
"This important measure addresses the long-standing issue of "spaghetti wires" that pose significant safety risks and spoil the beauty of our cities," Zamora said
"House Bill No. 10427 provides a comprehensive solution by holding utility providers accountable and empowering local governments to enforce compliance," he added.
Under Pleyto Sr.'s House Bill No. 10427, public utility providers will be responsible for tidying up the unsightly wires.
The bill would require them to organize dangling cable, remove all unused wires, and relocate or replace posts following the specified allowable clearance for overhead cables and wires. Those who will fail to comply may also have their local government-issued operating permits withheld or canceled.