BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has issued a stern warning to telecommunication and cable companies, demanding the removal of tangled utility cables, commonly known as “spaghetti wires”, from the historic Calle Real, public plazas, and other key areas of the city.
In his first press briefing after returning from medical leave, Treñas voiced frustration over the hazardous and unsightly state of these wires, which detract from the aesthetics and safety of Iloilo’s iconic landmarks.
The mayor emphasized the city’s resolve to maintain order and uphold the charm of its heritage sites. He issued an ultimatum to utility providers, giving them a limited time to comply.
Should they fail, Treñas warned of decisive action by the City Engineer’s Office, including cutting down the 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.
This initiative is reinforced by Regulation Ordinance No. 2023-006, authored by Councilor Romel Duron, which requires utility companies to relocate their wires underground in heritage and selected areas.
Non-compliance could lead to fines and the cancellation of permits, underscoring Iloilo City’s commitment to preserving its historic character and ensuring public safety.
In addition, Treñas has directed the city lawyer to draft formal letters addressed to telecommunication and cable companies, giving them an ultimatum to remove the tangled utility cables in key areas such as Calle Real and public plazas.
The mayor stressed that this issue is already addressed by an existing city ordinance.
He warned that if the companies fail to comply, the city government will have no choice but to enforce the law.
This could include drastic measures such as cutting the cables and removing the poles.
Regulation Ordinance No. 2023-006, authored by Councilor Romel Duron, serves as the legal foundation for Iloilo City’s campaign to address tangled utility cables.
The ordinance mandates all public electric utility companies and telecommunication carriers operating in the city to relocate their wires and cables underground within plaza complexes, heritage sites, and selected thoroughfares.
To enforce the ordinance, the city established Task Force Alambre, which is tasked with conducting mandatory periodic inspections of underground installations to ensure compliance with the Philippine Electrical Code and other relevant laws.
Under the ordinance, aerial wires, cables, and poles must be removed within 240 days after the ordinance is fully implemented.
Violators will be fined P5,000 after three notices. A fourth and final notice will result in the cancellation of permits.
Treñas also pointed out the strict enforcement of this ordinance to protect the city’s heritage and improve urban aesthetics, warning companies of the city’s readiness to implement the law if they fail to comply./PN
