Poor Pepe: Saranggola-Flying Now Banned In Manila

Two weeks after Meralco told residents of Manila to refrain from flying kites near power lines, the city government has imposed a total ban on the recreational activity.

A memorandum issued by the Manila Barangay Bureau cited fires, electrocution, and other accidents as hazards of kite-flying. According to them, a saranggola getting stuck in electric cables also contributes to scenic deterioration.

Part of it read: "Sa kadahilanang napakarami nang natatanggap na report at reklamo tungkol sa mga problemang idinudulot ng pagsasaranggola, minabuti na lang [namin] na magbigay ng direktiba sa lahat ng mga Barangay Officials na ipagbawal na ang pagpapalipad ng saranggola sa kalakhang Maynila."

"Sa ganitong kadahilanan kung kaya't minabuti naming paalalahanan ang lahat ng Barangay Officials ukol dito."

Last April, 24 Oras reported that Meralco recorded 47 power outages and 260 kites removed per day from utility posts and electric wires since the country went into enhanced community quarantine.

The company's spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga was quoted: "Hindi po ito nakakatulong bagkus ay nakakaperwisyo po ito hindi lamang po sa amin sa Meralco, higit sa lahat sa taumbayan na umaasa patuloy na serbisyo ng Meralco lalo na 'yung mga vital facilities tulad ng hospital."