In a renewed push to clean up Manila’s streets, Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso has rolled out a stricter policy aimed at removing unsightly and potentially dangerous “spaghetti wires” hanging from electric poles across the city.
The new directive bans telecom firms and other service providers from mounting additional wires on Meralco posts without formal clearance. From now on, only Meralco has the final say on whether new installations are approved or rejected.
“These telcos understand very well kung ano lang dapat ang nakasampay d’yan,” Mayor Domagoso said, emphasizing that the rules have long been clear, but the enforcement needed more muscle.
The mayor confirmed he has tasked City Engineer Armand Andres and City Electrician Engr. Randy Sadac to implement the order, adding that if the installation is viable, Meralco is unlikely to object. “But if it is not, we will respect and follow their decision,” he added.
This move is part of a broader effort to make the city not only safer but more visually appealing. The tangled jumble of wires—long a familiar sight—has been both a safety hazard and an eyesore for years.
“Kapag nagtulong-tulong talaga ang private sector at gobyerno, inch by inch, meter by meter — before we know it, we’ve achieved several miles of making the City of Manila pleasant,” the mayor added, thanking Meralco for its cooperation.
Alongside the wire cleanup, the city is also expanding its street lighting program, particularly in dim and high-risk areas. Magsaysay Boulevard has recently seen new lighting installations, and the mayor also inspected ongoing upgrades at Ospital ng Maynila, where new lights and elevator repairs are underway.
