Manila, June 25 -- The city government commenced on Wednesday the removal of illegal signs and those displaying the names or photos of officials from government projects or properties.

The move was based on the June 19 order by Mayor Sebastian Duterte directing a "City-Wide Inspection and Removal of Illegal Billboards and Signages."

Duterte's order is under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2010-101 dated Sept. 23, 2010, which prohibits the use of billboards or signage by public officials for personal interest.

With this, Duterte ordered the City Engineer's Office (CEO), the City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) to inspect a...