Iloilo City (CNN Philippines) — The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) recently announced that it would allow political advertisements on public utility vehicles (PUVs), provided drivers and operators secure a permit and strictly follow the guidelines.
This was based on the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to lift the ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), in its Resolution No. 9165, on the posting of campaign ads on PUVs such as buses, trains, jeeps, taxis, and pedicabs.
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Jose Marie Lamparero, regional legal counsel of the LTFRB in Western Visayas (Region 6), said that the agency issued Memorandum Circular No. 2015-029 which lifted the political ad ban on PUVs.
Lamparero said that drivers and operators who would want to install ads on their units have to apply for a special permit and meet the requirements provided in the agency’s Memorandum Circular No. 2013-005.
One of the conditions in the memorandum circular, signed last December 2013, was that ads should not be hazardous or compromise the safety, comfort, and convenience of passengers and the public.
Ads must also not impede, limit, or obstruct the driver’s line of sight.
Lamparero clarified that pedicabs or trisikads are not covered by the LTFRB guidelines, and are not allowed to post ads on their vehicles.
He said that pedicab drivers and operators could check with the local government unit (LGU) of the area where they operate on how to secure special permits. On the other hand, ferries and ships could also check with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
“What they are going to post and advertise is not based on the LTFRB’s discretion but the PUV operators,” Lamparero said.
The posting of transit political ads will be allowed within the campaign period.
The Comelec has set the campaign period for candidates for president, vice president, senator, and party-list representatives from February 9 to May 7 this year, while those running for seats in the House of Representatives and other local posts can campaign from March 25 to May 7.
Related: Comelec: No premature campaigning at this time
