Abalos defends removal of 'obscene' billboards

MANILA, Philippines - Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos said yesterday he is acting on the complaint of several motorists, including Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, when he ordered the removal of three billboards along EDSA showing members of the Philippine rugby team clad in underwear.

“I’m not more popish than the Pope. I’m a very liberal person. But when there are complaints like these, we have to act on it,” he said.

One of the billboards featuring the Philippine Volcanoes in their underwear was rolled down the other night after Abalos requested its removal. The billboards were part of efforts by rugby team organizers to promote the sport in the country.

Abalos said Gatchalian told him he had to cover the eyes of his nieces when they pass through EDSA to prevent them from seeing the billboards.

Abalos appealed to advertisers, especially those based in Mandaluyong City, to police their ranks and refrain from posting “obscene” ads in his city.

City public information officer Jimmy Isidro said Abalos will check another billboard along EDSA featuring the Philippine football team captain Aly Borromeo posing in underwear.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) filed eight additional cases yesterday against three firms that own billboards along EDSA in Quezon City for violating the National Building Code.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the eight billboards in Cubao were erected without any building permit and encroached on setback requirements prescribed in the code.

The owners of all eight billboards have received notices of removal and confiscation of the illegal advertising tarpaulins from the Quezon City government, Tolentino said.

He added that a total of 18 cases have been filed against the three firms.

The MMDA’s drive against illegally installed billboards, dubbed “Operation Roll Down, Baby” was started in May. – Non Alquitran, Jose Rodel Clapano, Mike Frialde