MANILA -- The minority bloc at the House of Representatives is opposing the order of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to remove the signages bearing politicians' names and images taking the cue from President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
Members of the minority party met with Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson Monday explaining to him that the billboards not only ensure transparency, but lets them establish rapport with their constituents.
“It's (signage) a good gauge for our constituents to know whether we really have done something and where we put our PDAF (priority development assistance fund). If the PNoy administration stops us from doing this, how will they know how we are using our PDAF?" said Representative Mitos Magsaysay (first district, Zambales).
“We have promises to keep and appointments to meet and it is essential that deliver on promises we made otherwise they would presume that nothing has happened so its all part of communication," added Representative Augusto Syjuco, Jr. (second district, Iloilo).
Representative Elmer Panotes (second district, Camarines Norte) meanwhile said that other local government officials tend to own the project if there is no signage that has been put up.
The DPWH has earlier said that it will be imposing a ban on the practice of putting names or images of politicians on signages of their projects. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)