LED billboards along EDSA a danger, advocates say

Advocates for the welfare of motorists expressed concern on Tuesday over the presence of giant LED projectors along EDSA which may distract drivers and cause road accidents.

"It's not only potential but a real danger because unang-unang danger nyan ay 'yung nakakasilaw especially for those with visual impairment problem na nagmamaneho sa gabi," Alberto Suansing of the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) said in Mark Salazar's report on GMA's 24 Oras.

"'Yung limang segundo na maalis ang mata mo sa harap 'yung focus ng sasakyan mo malaking bagay na 'yun. It could cause you road crash," he added.

On the other hand, stakeholders from the advertising industry said that there is no existing law in the country that regulates the installation of LED projectors and billboards in the busy highway.

"Sinong huhuli? Sinong magre-regulate? Wala po, not even a commission on lighting? Wala naman tayo nyan. It is still under DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways)," said Alex Montañez, president of the Out of Home Advertising Association of the Philippines.

He mentioned though, that the DPWH has already drafted an executive order to address the issue and that their industry is also in favor of its approval.

"Etong executive order na ito ay nasa level na ni Secretary Mark Villar. He will just endorse it to the president then it will be published. After being published IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) will be implemented," Montañez said.

GMA News is still trying to reach DPWH for comment and additional details on the proposed executive order. —Dona Magsino/JST, GMA News