Telcos Face December Deadline to Remove Wires

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas warned telecommunication companies to remove their wires from poles along Calle Real in the City Proper district by December.

Telecommunication firms have until December 16, 2024, to comply, except for PLDT, Cable Star, and Globe, which requested formal extensions. These companies were granted extensions only until December 2024.

“This extension is granted as a reasonable accommodation, but let me be very clear: this is the final extension,” Treñas said.

The mayor emphasized that companies failing to request extensions or show intent to comply will face immediate action. He has already instructed the City Engineer’s Office to dismantle non-compliant wires and poles.

“Non-compliance will not be tolerated. This city will not be held hostage by delays or neglect,” he said.

Treñas underscored that Calle Real represents Iloilo’s rich history and progress. The ongoing underground cabling project aims to enhance the area’s aesthetics and preserve the heritage of the iconic street.

“I am calling on all concerned companies to fulfill their obligations promptly. We expect full cooperation to meet our shared goals for a better and more beautiful Iloilo City,” he added.

MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) earlier announced plans to complete its Underground Distribution Services (UDS) by December.

As of October, the utility achieved 70 percent project completion, with its first customer connected to the UDS in the same month.

Currently, remaining spaghetti wires, drop wires, and overhead cables in the downtown area belong to telecommunication companies.

MORE Power launched the UDS project in October 2023 to eliminate risks posed by geckos, birds, and rats on overhead lines, ensuring a safer and more reliable electrical infrastructure.