MMDA Penalizes Bam Aquino Over EPAL Tarpaulin Hanging at High Power Electric Cable

A huge tarpaulin of Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino III, congratulating the graduates of 2018 was spotted hanging in a high power electric cable near a Meralco post in Quezon City. When it was shown to the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), the Liberal Party (LP) senator was immediately sent a notice, and was asked to pay the corresponding fine.

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“About an hour ago, a concerned netizen sent us a photo of Sen. Bam Aquino’s tarpaulin tarpaulin being hanged at an electric cable, which is very dangerous and against the law. We have located the said area in Quezon City, and our team is now on their way to take it down.” MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago told reporters, Friday, April 13.

“The office of the senator has been informed about this problem, and based on our records, this is the second time that his banner or tarpaulin was placed in an illegal manner. But still let me just clear things, we at MMDA are not focusing on one personality or group alone, but rather to anyone who violates the law.” She added.

Under MMDA’s Memorandum Circular No. 10 Series of 2011, “Sign Structures carrying Signs and signboards made of banners, pennants, tarpaulins and other similar nonrigid materials shall not be installed near power lines…” and “No signs shall be installed in trees, electric or lighting posts, center islands, side strips and fences.”

According to the MMDA, as signed by then-MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, first time violators will be fined of P100 per square foot of surface space, while posters with less than a square foot shall be charged at least P100. Government signs shall be charged P25.00 per square foot. For the second and final offense, the fine is P20,000.



Apparently, the Epal Bam Aquino tarpaulin also mentions that the senator has 19 laws passed, suggesting that he would like the people to know his accomplishments, especially that he is planning to run for reelection in 2019. However, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot file a case against him because it is not yet election period.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao