• CHERYL G. CRUZ
All utility companies operating within Bacolod City shall be required to clearly mark or tag wires and cables installed on utility poles, posts, buildings, or other structures; and for poles to have signage or paint marking.
Under the proposed “Utility Infrastructure Identification and Tagging Ordinance of Bacolod”, these utility companies include power, telecommunications and internet service providers, cable television operators, and other related entities.
Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, who authored the proposed ordinance recently approved on first reading by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, noted “the increasing volume of overhead and surface level utility infrastructure, including wires, cables, posts, and poles installed by various service providers.”
“The absence of proper identification and tagging of both utility lines and their supporting posts/poles contributes to inefficiencies in clearing operations, disaster response, and urban infrastructure management,” he added.
The delays in repair and maintenance increase risks to public safety, hence the need for proper tagging to ensure accountability among utility providers and facilitate coordination with the city government, the proposal stressed.
It also pushed for penalties, including written warning with compliance order for first offense, a fine of P2,500 for the second offense, and P5,000 and/or suspension of permits or clearances for third and succeeding offenses.
Each untagged wire, cable segment, or post/pole shall constitute a separate violation, the proposed ordinance states. “Any untagged or unidentified infrastructure may, after due notice, be removed by the city government at the cost of the responsible entity, if identified. If ownership cannot be determined, the city may remove such infrastructure in the interest of public safety.” | CGC
