‘SPAGHETTI WIRES’: Final extension issued for telco, cable companies to comply

VISUAL CLUTTER. Calle Real’s architectural grandeur is overshadowed by messy overhead wires, robbing Iloilo City’s heritage gem of its unspoiled charm. PN
VISUAL CLUTTER. Calle Real’s architectural grandeur is overshadowed by messy overhead wires, robbing Iloilo City’s heritage gem of its unspoiled charm. PN

BY GEROME DALIPE IV

ILOILO City – The clock is ticking for telecommunications and cable television companies operating in the metropolis to remove their dangling and unkempt cables. 

Mayor Jerry Treñas has issued a stern reminder, expressing his frustration over the lack of progress despite granting a one-year period for compliance. 

“Let me be clear: I gave you one year to act, yet nothing was done until I returned from Manila and set a clear deadline. While I have shown patience, I will not allow any further delays. You have until the end of December 2024 to fully comply. This is your final extension,” said Treñas.

The mayor lamented that the city had long been addressing issues related to utilities, particularly regarding infrastructure compliance and the proper handling of public space. He also addressed recent allegations from a contractor of a telecommunications company, who blamed his office for disruptions in cable and internet services in certain areas of Iloilo City.

“I would also like to address a recent claim made by a PLDT contractor, suggesting that the lack of cable and internet services in the Sto. Rosario, Dela Rama, Duran, and Sagrado areas are due to instructions from my office,” Treñas said. 

“Our underground cabling project is only at Calle Real, and in fact, we have an ordinance in Calle Real requiring all utility wires to be placed underground. This ordinance was passed in 2023, and it applies to all utility providers operating in Iloilo City, including PLDT, which were given one year to comply,” he added.The mayor emphasized that the delays in cable and internet services were not caused by his office, but by utility providers failing to meet the mandated compliance timeline. 

Treñas warned that non-compliance would result in immediate action, with the City Engineer’s Office instructed to dismantle any structures or installations obstructing the underground cabling project in Calle Real.

“Non-compliance will result in immediate action. We are striving to make Iloilo City a better place for everyone, and I will not tolerate negligence that hinders progress. I expect full cooperation moving forward. Let this serve as your final warning,” Treñas concluded, reaffirming his commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure and ensuring that utility companies adhere to the established regulations.

The mayor 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, aimed at enhancing the city’s visual appeal and protecting 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 pointed out that the contractor had been given sufficient time—an entire year—to comply with the requirement, but many failed to act. 

He expressed frustration that the contractor attempted 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 such behavior as unjust and unacceptable, asserting that it was wrong for the contractor 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

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