LTFRB to strip buses of wrap-around ads

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will strip the advertisements off of public utility vehicles, citing the prohibition on wrap-around ads for PUVs.

The start of the crackdown on wrap-around advertisements will start this week, according to the LTFRB.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez called it “Oplan Hubaran” and cited Memorandum Circular 2013-005 issued by the board last month. The new circular took effect on Sept. 15.

This replaced a circular issued in 2007 lifting the moratorium on the installation of transit ads, and its amendments issued in 2009 clearly provided guidelines and standard requirements for the installation of transit advertisements. 

“We want to remind the operators that PUVs are given franchises to convey passengers and not to be used as advertising billboards,” Ginez said in a statement.

The LTFRB is collaborating with the Land Transportation Office and other traffic law enforcers in conducting “Oplan Hubaran” at key locations in the metropolis.

Ginez said the new circular strictly requires operators to limit ads on their vehicles to where they will not either constitute a traffic hazard or compromise the safety, comfort and convenience of passengers and the public.

According to Ginez, the advertisements are being used to conceal busted vehicle parts.  He said the ads must not also cover the trade name, license plate number and body number of the vehicle, or make it difficult for the riding public to identify the PUB.

For public utility jeepneys, ads will be limited only on its toppers while taxis are allowed to install the ads on toppers and the upper portion of the back windshield with specific measurements.

Similar to applying for franchises or permits, PUV operators must formally file for the installation of transit ads before they can install them. They must also submit a copy of the advertising contract between the operator and the advertiser, as well as the advertising agency.

First time offenders will be fined P10,000 while those who violate the circular for the second time will be penalized P20,000. Those who violate the wrap-around ad prohibition will have their permits revoked.