Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla has spoken out regarding social media complaints stemming from an initiative to clear tangled overhead wires along Aguinaldo Highway and other nearby areas.
“Naging problema talaga, para nang spaghetti na nakabagsak, nakapulupot sa poste nila. Hindi po nila nililinis,” he said in an interview on Balansyado.
Revilla shared he has attempted to coordinate with private companies offering wi-fi and telephone services, but that they have disregarded his and other local officials’ appeals. Hence, he has resorted to contracting workers for the removal of these ‘spaghetti’ wires.
“Siyempre unang-una, nagpapahingi tayo ng paumanhin kasi matagal na nating kino-coordinate ‘yan sa mga public utilities (companies). Even sa ating pong mga barangay, nagpatawag, pero sila, hindi nila inintindi. Kaya po ako, sabi ko, ‘Sige, kung ayaw niyong umintindi sa’tin, (sa notice namin sa kanila), kumuha tayo ng ka-partner natin na siya pong magtatanggal.’ Pero, dapat they have to make sure na dead wires ‘yung tatanggalin,” he explained.
The mayor pointed out that the root of the problem lies in the work done by subcontractors for these private firms. The clearing operation was intended to remove dead wires, however, these have become indistinguishable from active lines in use, some connected to areas further into Cavite.
“So ‘yung ginawa nila, mapapansin niyo, may naputol na lines. ‘Yun ‘yung mga nakapulupot na sa mga poste na nakalaglag ‘yung iba. Hindi po talaga inaayos. Ang problema rito ‘yung mga subcontractor ng mga public utilities po natin,” Revilla stated.
“‘Di po namin alam, hindi naman nila pinapaalam sa amin ‘yan e. Na ito, idudugtong namin ‘to (posts and lines), sa Kawit ‘to, ito sa Imus ‘to pupunta,” he added later.
He explained that when a resident applies for wi-fi or telephone services, a wire is connected to their property. If the house was leased and the tenant leaves, the wire is cut, but is not removed. When another tenant assumes residence, a new wire is connected. Existing wires cannot be reused because workers are unable to ascertain which of them to utilize.
One more issue adding to the problem is residents tapping into electricity lines without a permit. As a result, many are disconnected when such clearing operations are conducted, Revilla said.
He added that not only do private firms cause such problems, but national government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He recounted how the agency had closed off a subdivision’s outfall by building a riprap over it, which led to flooding in the area.
“Regardless pa na may magalit sa’kin, temporary lang ‘yan e. Hindi ko naman pine-perwisyo sila … wala po tayong iniisip na ma-perwisyo. Gusto po natin, maayos po natin ‘yung dapat na iayos at nasa tama,” Revilla said, determined to clear Bacoor of hazardous, dangling wires.
According to the city’s website, the clearing operations aim to improve public safety, declutter major roads, strengthen disaster resilience, and support infrastructure modernization.
