Guico Admin Passes “Underground Cabling” Law All Over P’sinan

 NO MORE UGLY “SPAGHETTI” WIRES

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

 To improve the aesthetic of the surroundings in Pangasinan by getting rid of those eyesore’s “spaghetti” wires overhead from the cable and telecommunication providers, the provincial government passed a law that orders providers to relocate underground their cables.

Provincial Ordinance No. 299-2033 titled “An Ordinance Mandating All Telecommunication Companies, Service Providers and Other Similar Entities that Use Overhead Wires and/or Cables Operating Within the Province of Pangasinan to Install and/or Relocate Wires and Cable System”.

New cables being buried underground to replace the overhead lines and pylons in the area somewhere. The photo is an internet grabbed.

Known for its brevity as “The Underground Cabling Ordinance of the Province of Pangasinan”, it was authored by Board Member Napoleon C. Fontellera, Jr., attested by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, and signed into law by Governor Ramon Guico, III.

SAFETY STANDARDS

As mandated, all wires and cables in the forty-four towns and three cities’ Pangasinan must be safe and of high quality. They must be properly and systematically relocated to assure the public safety of the residents. There should be warning signs and labels that must be placed for public safety and information. These areas must also have protective strip that must be kept free from deep-rooting trees and shrubs, where buildings are not allowed to be built. Coordination with the Provincial Government Engineering Office, Department of Public Works and Highways and the building officials of the local government units shall always be observed so that installation guidelines and safety standards will be followed

PROHIBITIONS

 It shall be unlawful for any covered entity to: 1. Install, erect, or construct telephone/telecommunication posts, cable network and the like without securing the necessary permits from the concerned offices; 2. Install a pole or construct an edifice in a location duly identified for underground cabling services; 3. Install unmarked telecommunication wires and cables or temporary wires and cables without permission from concerned authorities; 4. Retain idle poles, wires and cables and other overhead line accessories within two months from issuance of notice to remove the same; 5. Dig and excavate in the streets for purposes of laying telecommunication and cables without securing the necessary permits from concerned Local Government Unit and the DPWH.

LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES

In addition to the provision of the New Civil Code of the Philippines, and other relevant laws, all covered entities shall be liable for any damages caused to any person or properties which may arise from the faulty installation, design and maintenance of the wires and cables. Any modification of the approved underground cabling plan/system in accordance with the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Ordinance shall be submitted for review and approval

PENAL PROVISIONS

 Any covered entity that will violate the provisions of this Ordinance shall be penalized as follows: 1. First Offense is a fine of P5,000.00 and one-month suspension of business permit and license to operate; 2. Second Offense - Revocation of business permit and license to operate within the Province of Pangasinan.

EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE

After its third week publication in Northern Watch Newspaper – a weekly of general circulation in Pangasinan - that ends on July 1, 2023, the Ordinance shall take effect after the posting requirements pursuant to Republic Act No. 7160 and other applicable laws' rules and regulations, and upon approval of the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be promulgated by the Office of the Provincial Governor.