The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is calling on the general public to report road right-of-way (RROW) violations, specifically signs with road messages and advertisements installed or displayed within RROW.
The call was made after recent reports of unauthorized gantry signs installed within the RROW of national roads. These road obstructions are prohibited pursuant to the provisions of Section 23 of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 17, also known as the Revised Philippine Highway Act and the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD No. 1096).
Gantry signs, which are commonly installed along roads to promote businesses or individuals especially during election season are strictly prohibited as they obstruct or distract the view of motorists and official traffic signs. Poorly-installed signs likewise constitute serious hazards and pose imminent danger to the public in the event of strong winds and typhoons.
Under PD No. 17 and No. 1096, DPWH has the right to impose penalties to violators and file appropriate legal action pursuant to Administrative Order No. 160-A and the Civil Code of the Philippines.
Owners of signages obstructing government RROW are given 15 days to dismantle, otherwise DPWH Regional and District Engineering Office will have it removed pursuant to DPWH Department Order No. 73, series of 2014.
“Although DPWH field personnel nationwide continuously monitor and remove unnecessary signs within six (6) meter easement on each direction of our national roads, we still ask the public to be of assistance and provide us with any information of RROW violations so we can immediately act them,” said Secretary Villar.
The public may reach DPWH through the 24/7 Call Center Hotline: 165-02; or e-mail at the DPWH website: www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh, TXT 2920 for short messaging system, or through social media accounts via Facebook, www.facebook.com/dpwhph, and via Twitter, @DPWHph.