Legal Basis and Authority
- PD 1096: Secretary of DPWH empowered to administer rules related to outdoor billboards and advertising signs.
- Local Government Code of 1991: Empowers LGUs to regulate use of property, signs, and awnings within jurisdiction.
- RA 7924: Empowers MMDA to formulate and monitor policies including the use of thoroughfares and infrastructure standards.
- Metro Manila Council: Enacts regulations pursuant to RA 7924.
Key Definitions
- Advertisement: Act of calling public attention using posters, banners, billboards, or similar signs.
- Signages: Any visual display (letters, symbols, figures) attached to buildings or structures to advertise.
- Road-Right-of-Way: Unobstructed land parcel (minimum 3.00 meters wide) for public passage.
- Major Thoroughfares: Public streets/highways of at least 10.00 meters width, maintained by the national government.
- Secondary Roads: Public streets serving as secondary passageways maintained by national or local government.
- Public Roads: Government-owned/maintained land for public passage.
- Public Advisory Messages: Signages conveying government information or campaigns.
- Ground Sign: Sign supported by a base resting on the ground, max area 10 sq.m.
- Sign Structure: Supports for installing signs (frames, anchorages, fasteners).
- Streamer: Decorative strips for celebrations/promotions.
- Traffic Sign: Device conveying traffic regulatory, warning, or guidance messages.
Compliance with National Building Code
- All signs must comply with Chapter 20 and Rule V of PD 1096 (National Building Code) and subsequent MMDA enactments.
Prohibition of Signs on Public Thoroughfares
- Private commercial signs, billboards, and streamers are strictly prohibited over or across public thoroughfares, center islands, street rights-of-way (including major and secondary roads).
- Adherence to MMDA Anti-Littering Regulation No. 96-009 forbidding posting of billboards, posters, and visual clutter in public roads, sidewalks, posts, trees, and open spaces.
Restrictions on Lighted Advertising Panels
- Lighted advertising endorsing individuals or organizations not allowed on sidewalks, pedestrian overpasses, flyovers, traffic signages, communication posts, LRT/MRT structures, waiting sheds, and road rights-of-way.
Ban on Advertising in Government LOTS Under BOT Scheme
- No installation of advertising signs allowed on government lots or structures under Build-Operate-Transfer contracts to maintain government building integrity.
Prohibited Types of Signs
- Dazzling/neon signs.
- Advertisements promoting cigars/cigarettes, tobacco, liquor, and prohibited drugs.
- Graphic displays offensive to public morals (sexuality/nudity).
- Ads involving sanitary products, birth control devices/medicines, underwear.
- Any sign posing danger or nuisance to motorists or public inconvenience.
Regulation of Traffic Signs
- Traffic signs must conform to international and Philippine standards as detailed in the "Philippine Road Signs Manual".
- MMDA oversees structural specifications in coordination with DPWH.
- Road signs for traffic improvement projects must be pre-approved by MMDA.
Existing Non-Conforming Signs
- Owners/promoters must alter non-conforming signs per National Building Code guidelines.
- Must secure clearance and permits from MMDA and LGU within 7 days of notice before issuance of Certificate of Use.
Historic and Tourist Site Signage
- Historical markers and directional signs shall not be combined with commercial advertisements.
- Sponsors may advertise on periphery areas only with administrator and government approvals via MOA/MOU.
- No signs allowed on trees, posts, fences that deface natural landscape/seascape in these sites.
Placement Restrictions
- No advertising sign shall cross or straddle carriageways.
Ethical Advertising Standards
- Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines must enforce a Code of Ethics ensuring messages are non-offensive and morally acceptable.
Permitting Authorities and Procedures
- MMDA Chairman or authorized representative issues clearance for billboards along major thoroughfares.
- Upon MMDA clearance, LGU permits must be obtained for installation.
- City/Municipal Mayor or representative approves permits for local roads and private properties.
- Installation times and durations must be strictly observed.
Mandatory Information on Signs
- Bottom right corner must display:
- Advertiser or agent's name
- Inclusive dates of permit/clearance
- Date of installation
- Authority granting permit/clearance
- Address and contact number of advertiser
- Permit expiration requires immediate removal of signs; failure leads to MMDA removal at violator's cost.
Fees and Fines
- Clearance fees set by MMDA or Office of the Mayor based on sign size and display duration; minimum P500.00 per clearance.
- Penalties:
- First offense: Fine of P100 per square foot; minimum P100 for smaller posters; government signs at P25 per square foot; 25% surcharge for delayed payment beyond 7 days.
- Second/final offense: Fine of P20,000.
Disposition of Collected Fees and Fines
- Proceeds go to the MMDA General Fund.
Implementation and Additional Clauses
- MMDA Chairman to issue implementing guidelines on clearance procedures.
- Separability Clause: Invalid provisions shall not affect the rest.
- Supplement Clause: Regulation supplements, not amends, existing laws.
- Effective 15 days after publication in two Metro Manila newspapers.