Billboard with blinking lights draws complaints over potential safety risks

“Sino nag-approve sa billboard na ‘to? Masakit sa mata lalo na’t nag-drive, hindi ba iniisip kung anong dulot nito,” the user wrote.

While the phone brand was censored in the video, the billboard was identified as promoting the realme 16T phone model.

realme announced the billboard on its social media pages on October 6. Photos of the billboard taken during the day and shared in the posts showed no indication that it featured flashing lights.

While flashing lights are not explicitly prohibited under law, outdoor advertising regulations generally warn against visual elements that could distract motorists and create safety hazards.

The National Building Code generally prohibits public signs and signboards that significantly distract the public because of their placement, appearance, or message.

“No sign or signboard shall be constructed as to unduly obstruct the natural view of the landscape, distract or obstruct the view of the public as to constitute a traffic hazard, or otherwise defile, debase or offend aesthetic and cultural values and traditions,” reads Chapter 20, Section 2001 of the law.

Flashing lights also pose seizure risks for people with epilepsy who experience photosensitivity. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, flashing lights may trigger seizures in these individuals.

Some cities have specific regulations governing billboard lighting. Makati, for instance, observes City Ordinance No. 2013-A-044, which mandates that billboard lighting must not “produce glare or unwanted reflectance.”

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