7 LGUs set Marikina River inspection as 'Chedeng' nears

As tropical storm "Chedeng" (Songda) threatens to dump rains on Metro Manila, local government officials of at least seven areas in Metro Manila and Rizal province will inspect the Marikina River for obstructions that may cause flooding. The officials vowed to prevent a repeat of the overflowing of the river after cyclone "Ondoy" (Ketsana) dumped rains on Metro Manila in 2009, radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported Wednesday. Marikina City Vice Mayor Jose Cadiz said they will file charges against those who place obstructions in the river that may cause flooding. Members of the "Alliance of Seven" include Quezon, Pasig and Marikina Cities in Metro Manila; and Antipolo City, Cainta, San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal province. Also, Science Department Secretary Mario Montejo said in a radio interview there may be a "chance" of Chedeng hitting Metro Manila. "We are keeping track of this possibility. Even if it does not pass through Manila, it will enhance the monsoon, which will dump rains on Metro Manila," he said in an interview on dzXL radio. Billboard owners Wary of possible strong winds from tropical storm Chedeng, outdoor advertisers started taking down their billboard ads. Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP) president Ed Acosta asked the group's members to take down their ads when they learned of the potential threat from "Chedeng," radio dzRH reported. A separate report by radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad said that as of Tuesday noon, several of the billboard ads along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) had been taken down. State weather forecasters had warned of possible strong winds and heavy rains brought by Chedeng, which they said may enhance the southwest monsoon. Acosta told the group's members to fold their tarpaulins and billboard ads soonest so they will not pose a threat to life and property, the dzBB report said. Earlier this month, the OAAP agreed to work with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in regulating commercial billboards along major roads of Metro Manila. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the billboard drive is not meant to put advertisers out of business but to safeguard public safety by implementing the provisions of the National Building Code (NBC). The OOAP is an umbrella organization of outdoor advertisers that serves as the self-regulatory body for outdoor advertising practitioners nationwide. — LBG, GMA News