4 brgys tagged as violators of waste policy

CEBU, Philippines -  At least four barangays were tagged by the Cebu City Environment Sanitation and Enforcement Team as violators of the Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Barangays Guadalupe, Duljo Fatima, Basak San Nicolas, and Punta Princesa were given citation tickets by CESET after they failed to comply with the waste segregation policy of the city government, said CESET chief Grace Luardo.

 â€œProblemado gyod ko sa kani nga mga barangays for unsegregated wastes,” Luardo said.

“Masuko ang uban isyuhan og citation tickets. I hope the barangay officials should try to see and understand their duties and responsibilities towards their respective communities. Dili sila magpabaya but rather magpakabana,” she added.

 CESET is set to meet with the officials of the barangays that were issued citation tickets.

 Luardo said these barangays are not “seriously” complying with the provisions of the law, citing section 10 of RA 9003 which provides “segregation and collection of solid waste shall be conducted at the barangay level specifically for biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes. Provided, that the collection of non-recyclable materials and special wastes shall be the responsibility of the municipality of city.”

Luardo said that the implementation and enforcement of RA 9003 is “primarily” the responsibility of the local government unit.

Section 50 of R.A. 9003 provides that; local government officials and officials of government agencies concerned who fail to comply with and enforce the rules and regulations promulgated under the law shall be charged administratively in accordance with RA 7160 and other existing laws, rules and regulations.

The city government has been strictly implementing the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy in compliance with the law.

Luardo lauded Barangays Bacayan, Banilad, Pit-os, Tinago and Pasil for being consistent in observing the proper waste segregation policy.

 Luardo said there are already 12 violators who are facing arrest warrants issued by Judge Monalila Tecson of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1. There were 15 others that were issued subpoena.

Based on the record of CESET, there are already close to 3,500 violators who were issued citation tickets since January. (FREEMAN)