BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Telecommunication and cable companies have only until this December 16 to transfer underground their tangled overhead utility cables, commonly referred to as “spaghetti wires”, from Calle Real here.
Mayor Jerry Treñas issued the ultimatum to improve the city’s aesthetics and safety.
“This move is crucial to enhancing Iloilo City’s urban environment,” he said.
Treñas stressed the importance of compliance with the city ordinance requiring the underground relocation of utility wires along the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue, including the historic Calle Real.
He appealed for the cooperation and support of all stakeholders to make this project a success.
“Let us work together to create a safer, more beautiful, and progressive Iloilo City that we can all take pride in,” he said.
In his first press briefing after returning from medical leave, Treñas expressed frustration over the hazardous and unsightly state of these wires, which diminish the aesthetic appeal and safety of Iloilo’s iconic landmarks.
Treñas said failure to comply will prompt the City Engineer’s Office to take decisive action, including cutting down overhead wires and removing utility poles.
“We will give them several days, and after that, we will cut all their wires and pull down their poles. We can be very patient at some time,” the mayor cautioned.
Treñas underscored the city’s resolve to enhance its environment and heritage preservation efforts, urging telecommunication and cable companies to act swiftly.
The city government is intensifying efforts to eliminate tangled utility cables in key areas such as heritage sites and public plazas. This initiative is legally grounded in Regulation Ordinance No. 2023-006, authored by Councilor Romel Duron, which mandates the relocation of utility wires underground.
The ordinance applies to all public electric utility companies and telecommunication carriers operating in Iloilo City.
It requires the underground relocation of wires within plaza complexes, heritage sites, and selected thoroughfares.
Utility companies have 240 days from the full implementation of the ordinance to remove aerial wires, cables, and poles.
Violators will be fined P5,000 after receiving three notices and a fourth notice will result in the cancellation of permits.
To ensure compliance, the city established Task Force Alambre, which conducts periodic inspections of underground installations in accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code and other relevant laws.
Treñas underscored the city’s firm commitment to enforcing the ordinance, warning utility companies of severe consequences for non-compliance.
“We will strictly implement this law to protect our city’s heritage and improve urban aesthetics,” Treñas stressed.
He reiterated that the city is prepared to take unilateral action, including cutting down non-compliant wires and poles, to uphold public safety and the preservation of Iloilo City’s historic character./PN
