BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has strongly denied allegations from contractors of a telecommunication company who blamed his office for disruptions in cable television and internet services in certain areas of the city.
In a statement, Treñas addressed reports that some PLDT contractors were claiming that the lack of cable and internet services was due to instructions from his office.
“Let me clarify: the ordinance requiring all utility wires to be placed underground was passed in 2023, and this mandate applies to all utility providers operating in Iloilo City,” he stressed.
The mayor emphasized that the ordinance, which aims to modernize Iloilo City’s infrastructure, has been actively enforced by the city government.
A major component of this initiative is the ongoing underground cabling project along Calle Real.
Treñas urged utility providers and contractors to comply with the ordinance, stressing the importance of minimizing service disruptions while improving the safety, cleanliness, and efficiency of the city’s utility systems for its residents.
He reiterated that the ordinance was enacted for the benefit of all and called on utility providers to adhere to the city’s regulations and help reduce service interruptions.
Treñas also recently approved an extension for telecommunications and cable companies to relocate their overhead utility cables, particularly in key areas like Calle Real and public plazas. Originally set for December 16, the deadline has now been extended to the end of December 2024 following requests from PLDT, Cable Star, and Globe.
The underground cabling project is a crucial element of Iloilo City’s urban development and heritage preservation efforts, designed to enhance the city’s visual appeal and protect public spaces.
Treñas made it clear that this extension is final, stating, “Companies are expected to comply with this deadline as no further extensions will be granted.”
To ensure compliance, the mayor has directed the City Engineer’s Office to dismantle wires and poles from non-compliant companies after the new deadline.
The initiative reflects Iloilo City’s commitment to preserving the historical significance of Calle Real.
Treñas also emphasized that contractors had been given sufficient time—an entire year—to comply with the requirement, but many failed to act.
He expressed frustration that the contractors were attempting to shift blame to the City Government for their negligence.
“Now, they are compelled to adhere to the law, and instead of taking responsibility, they unfairly shift the blame to the City Government,” he said.
The mayor condemned this behavior as unjust and unacceptable, asserting that it was wrong for contractors to fault the City Government for their own failure to comply with the legally mandated ordinance.
He concluded with a strong warning: “We will not allow baseless accusations to derail this progress.”/PN
