MMDA Billboard Installation Rules Metro Manila

Power vested in the Secretary of DPWH under PD 1096 for administering the National Building Code covering billboards and signs.
Local Government Code empowers local government units (LGUs) to regulate property use and the erection of signs.
RA 7924 authorizes MMDA to formulate and enforce policies on infrastructure, traffic, environmental health, and public safety.
MMDA Regulation No. 04-004 (2004) provides guidelines and penalties for billboards within Metro Manila.
Memorandum of Agreement between DPWH and MMDA deputizes MMDA to enforce the National Building Code rules on signage.

Advertisement: Act of calling public attention using posters, banners, billboards, or signs.
Advertising Sign: Off-premise sign directing attention to a business or service.
Billboard: Panel for posting bills or posters.
Business Sign: On-premise or off-premise sign directing to business, profession, or service.
Carriageway: Part of the road-right-of-way for motorized traffic.
Display Sign: Any material or structure used as advertisement or directory.
Electrical Sign: Illuminated signs using incandescent, fluorescent lamps, or LED.
Ground Sign, Projecting Signs, Roof Sign, Wall Sign: Various types of signs with specific locations and structures.
Regulated Signs: Collective term for all signs subject to this regulation.
Road-Right-of-Way (RROW): Parcel of land for free public passage, at least 3 meters wide.
Temporary Signs and Streamers: Exempt from these guidelines.

Applied to existing and proposed regulated signs (advertising, billboards, business, display, electrical, roof, wall signs) along covered areas.
Covered Areas include major thoroughfares, public roads, secondary roads, avenues, streets, parks, and open spaces within Metro Manila.
Exceptions: Wall signs parallel to building walls, public advisory LED signs, streamers, and temporary signs.

LGUs in Metropolitan Manila shall issue locational and structural clearances/permits for regulated signs within jurisdiction.
LGUs may require owners to obtain permits, modify illegal structures, or remove signs violating laws.
LGUs may seek MMDA assistance for removal or demolition of illegal signs.
MMDA jurisdiction covers billboards along major/national thoroughfares requiring MMDA Billboard Clearance prior to LGU permits.

Setback Requirements: Vary based on road right-of-way width with minimum front (5-8 m), side (2-5 m), and rear (2-5 m) setbacks.
Environmental Requirement: Owners must plant and maintain two full-grown trees within setback or other areas.
Minimum Distance Between Billboards: 100-meter radius required; permits granted earlier take precedence.
Signs must not obstruct traffic signs or natural landscape views or cause traffic hazards.
Combustible materials are restricted in fire zones; signs must use incombustible or approved materials.
Display surfaces may be metal, glass, or approved plastics.
No obstruction to fire escapes, exits, openings for light and ventilation.
Roof signs strictly prohibited.
Signs must maintain clearances from power lines as per Philippine Electrical Code.
Prohibition on signs over or across public thoroughfares, sidewalks, flyovers, traffic signage, LRT/MRT structures, and other specified locations.
Historical site markers and directional signs cannot be combined with advertisements unless through MOU/MOA with LGU and site administrators.
Signs must be taken down or turned off during weather disturbances declared by PAGASA, enforced by MMDA if necessary.
LGUs may enact stricter regulations.

LGUs encouraged to enact or amend billboard ordinances to conform with these implementing guidelines for consistency.

All traffic signs must conform to international standards and the Philippine Road Signs Manual.
Design plans for traffic improvement projects require MMDA coordination and approval.

Installation timing and duration must be strictly adhered to.
Regulated signs must display the advertiser's name, permit validity, installer, permitting office, and contact information in specified format and size.
Removal obligation immediately upon permit expiration; failure results in MMDA removal at owner expense.

First Offense: Fine of Php 100 per square foot of advertisement surface; government signs Php 25 per sq. ft.; 25% surcharge for late payment.
Second Offense: Fixed fine of Php 20,000.
Fines collected accrue to the MMDA General Fund.

MMDA enforces compliance with consultation from DPWH and coordination with LGUs.

From January 1, 2012, all existing permits disregarded; owners must apply anew for MMDA and LGU clearances and permits.
Existing valid permits must be submitted for validation before this date.
Owners without valid permits must apply immediately.

Separability Clause: Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the guidelines.
Repealing Clause: Prior inconsistent memorandum circulars are amended or repealed.
Effectivity: Guidelines take effect 15 days post-publication in two general circulation newspapers.