Solon wants to prohibit the posting of billboards and political propaganda on trees

Friday, 20 May 2011 09:48

Posting of billboards, commercial advertisements and political propaganda on trees along highways and major thoroughfares will soon be prohibited.

Rep. Angelo Palmones (Party-list, AGHAM), author of House Bill 3539, said billboards, advertisements and political propaganda posted on trees and similar plants along highways not only impair the landscape but also damage the nature.

Palmones said trees and similar plants are planted along highways, roads and streets and also in public places such as parks to improve the landscape in addition to providing ecosystems services.

"Trees and similar plants reduce pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen, reduce temperature, prevent soil erosion, reduce or prevent the impacts of strong winds. Especially in public places such as parks, they provide areas for relaxation, leisure and for rest and contemplation and areas where one can be by oneself," Palmones said.

Palmones said these acts are predominant during election periods where all types of materials are attached to trees and other places. Since trees along highways are very visible they are favorite places for posting of advertisements.

"Depending upon the manner of posting, the bark of trees is damaged and the wounds become avenues for the entry of fungi and other infections that could lead to the decay and death of the trees," Palmones said.

"These acts should be prevented and perpetrators should be made accountable for their actions," Palmones added.

The measure to be known as the "No Billboards and Advertisements on Trees and Similar Plants on Highways and Public Places Act," prohibits the posting of bills and advertisements on trees and similar plants found along national highways, provincial and municipal roads and other streets and also those found in public places such as national, provincial, city and municipal parks.

First time violator shall be fined with P2,000 for posting on a single tree, P4,000 if on two trees and so on. For a second offense, the fine on the first offense is doubled while the punishment for the third offense is tripled with imprisonment for 12 months or both.

Furthermore, for the fourth and succeeding offenses, the punishment is double the previous fine or imprisonment.

Palmones said the fines are payable to the local government units (LGUs) where the offense took place and the income derived from the said fines will accrue to the city and municipality where the offense occurred, provided that the provincial government shall have a share of 30% of the income.

Palmones said to ensure the protection of trees and similar plants planted on highways and public places, the public is enjoined to report to the police who in turn will report to the municipal/city or provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) or the nearest office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

"The State shall promote to the highest degree possible the involvement of all sectors of society in the protection and prevention of damage of these trees in order to attain the benefits they provide such as reducing pollution and carbon dioxide in the air and in the amelioration of temperature as well as provide areas for leisure, rest and contemplation," Palmones said.

The bill mandates the DENR and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to implement the rules and regulations of this Act.