CNN Reporter Questions Metro Manila’s “Spaghetti” Wires
RICHARD QUEST – The CNN International reporter was astonished by the tangled overhead wires in Metro Manila, often called “spaghetti” wires.
In a video posted on Instagram, Quest stood on a street in Mandaluyong City, pointing at the messy web of cables hanging from utility posts. “Every time I see this, I just wonder how on earth does this work?” he remarked.
Despite the chaos, he acknowledged that electricity and the internet seemed to function, suggesting that someone must understand the system. Comparing the tangled wires to “one big bowl of spaghetti,” Quest humorously questioned how anyone could find and fix a faulty cable in such a setup. “It’s quite extraordinary how it all works. But it works!” he added.
The issue of tangled cables has long been a concern in the Philippines. In May 2024, Bulacan Representative Salvador Pleyto Sr. proposed a bill to remove dangling wires and overhead cables to prevent accidents and improve urban safety.
Quest is currently in the Philippines filming a documentary at the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, a protected area known for its conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, “spaghetti wires” refer to the tangled overhead cables for electricity, internet, and telephone services often seen in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila. These wires accumulate because service providers keep adding new lines without removing old ones. Poor maintenance and high costs make it difficult to switch to underground wiring, while illegal connections, or “jumpers,” worsen the problem.
Aside from being an eyesore, spaghetti wires are dangerous. Exposed and tangled cables can cause fires, electric shocks, and accidents. They also make repairs harder, leading to service disruptions. Some cities, like Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), have started moving cables underground, while lawmakers have proposed regulations to address the issue.
However, progress remains slow due to high costs and logistical challenges. Solving this problem requires careful planning, sufficient funding, and collaboration among utility companies to create a safer and cleaner urban environment.