By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star) Updated April 25, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones has filed a bill that seeks to prohibit the posting of billboards and advertisements on trees along highways and in public places.
Palmones said House Bill 3539 aims to ensure the protection of trees and other plants. “Sometimes, people tend to forget that trees are living creatures, and provide ecosystem services such as reducing pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen, and preventing soil erosion,” he said.Palmones said posting billboards creates wounds in the bark of the tree, and fungi and bacteria could enter these wounds and cause diseases that could kill the tree. He added that trees along highways and public places improve the landscape and provide areas for relaxation, leisure and contemplation.
The bill proposes to impose a fine of P2,000 for the first offense; double the original fine for the second offense; triple the original fine, a jail term of six months to a year or both for the third offense; and double the previous fine or imprisonment for subsequent offenses.
Palmones said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of the Interior and Local Government will be the lead agencies under the proposed measure.
