ILOILO CITY — Iloilo’s provincial government is pushing for an ordinance that regulates the planting of high-growing plants and prohibits the construction of structures below or within the right of way of all power transmission and distribution lines.
Provincial Board member Liecel Seville, author of the proposed ordinance, said 80 percent of unscheduled power interruptions in the province are caused by heavy vegetation that obstruct power lines, as affirmed by Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECO) during a session with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) last June.
Its enactment is seen to address unscheduled power interruptions happening in the province, she said.
Seville hoped the proposed ordinance would be approved on third and final reading during the special session on November 24.
Once passed, barangay officials would play a big role in the implementation of the ordinance, she said.
“If they see planters and farmers planting high-growing trees and structures near our power lines, they have to inform them immediately that these activities are regulated or prohibited,” she added.
Under the ordinance, violators will be penalized PHP1,000 for the first offense; PHP2,000 and imprisonment of not more than 10 days for the second offense; and PHP5,000 and imprisonment of 15 days for the third offense. (PNA)
