MMDA, Meralco conduct ‘spaghetti wire’ clean-up in Intramuros

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has begun clearing “spaghetti wires” in Intramuros, Manila

According to the agency's statement on Thursday, the cleaning operation conducted with Meralco and the Intramuros Administration (IA) aims to beautify the historic area and was also a “preventative measure” to avoid possible accidents due to the cables.

“Intramuros has entered the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the clearing of dangling wires is just the start of the IA's plans and actions to restore the beauty and significant history of the Walled City of Manila,” said Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla.

The MMDa said telecommunication companies and internet providers were informed of the operation and removal.

The statement said the IA will continue to implement its rules against the installation of cables in the area, while Meralco Foreign Attachment Management Operations and Control officer Armando Torres said that cables will not be removed without notice and coordination with telco providers.

The Metro Manila Council in June approved a resolution encouraging local government units in Metro Manila to enforce strict guidelines against dangling wires and overhead cables in the area, following existing ordinances in places such as San Juan City and Valenzuela.

House Bill No. 10427 or the “Anti-Dangling Wires Act of 2024,” filed in May, also sought to remove dangling or spaghetti wires to avoid possible accidents.

“The presence of non-operational overhead cable TV and telephone wires hanging precariously from poles, trees and high-rise structures has become a significant nuisance, not only because of its unsightly appearance, but primarily because of the conceivable accident it may cause,”  the bill’s explanatory note read.

The bill was backed by several public utility providers, including Meralco and PLDT, who both stated that they have already begun clearing unused wires. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News