For failing to address environment concerns: Execs of 5 barangays may face raps

CEBU, Philippines — Officials of at least five barangays in Cebu City may face charges if they fail to act on environmental concerns found by the task force in charge of implementing the city’s “Oplan Disiplina”.

The campaign, which aims to enforce ordinances and laws strictly at the barangay level, kicked off on October 1, 2022.

“In regards with RA 9003… failure sa part sa barangay official pag-implement as to environmental concerns sa ilang isig ka barangay,” said Grace Luardo, head of the City Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team (CESET).

Under the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, administrative sanctions can be slapped against “local government officials and officials of government agencies concerned who fail to comply with and enforce rules and regulations promulgated relative to this Act shall be charged administratively in accordance with R.A. 7160 and other existing laws, rules and regulations.”

Luardo did not name the barangays but said they are in the city’s urban areas.

She said the task force will evaluate why garbage continues to be a problem in these barangays, especially at creeks.

Luardo said the five barangays have a month to address the concerns.

“(Pa)sensya, ha… dili pako kahatag sa mga names  kay sige pako pakig-meeting nila to make actions... ang hope they will cooperate with us,” Luardo said.

Meanwhile, a handful of individuals were issued citation tickets since Mayor Michael Rama signed the executive order for “Oplan Disiplina”.

These individuals were found urinating, smoking, and spitting in public; failing to clean their own surroundings; throwing trash on the street; and failing to follow the garbage collection schedule in their respective barangays.

“Karong adlawa ug gahapon, ato gyud gipanghingusgan ang pagpataka pangluwa, pataka og panghi, pagpagawas sa basura sa dili insaktong oras… ang wala paglimpyo sa ilang tugkaran,” Luardo told The Freeman.

“Oplan Disiplina” aims to instill a strong sense of self-discipline, order, and individual self-control among residents in Cebu City although parental responsibility and accountability are also stressed.

The campaign also stresses strict implementation of curfew hours for minors, vaccination against COVID-19, and peace and order initiatives.

A holding center is also expected in each barangays for violators along with proper sanctions based on respective laws and ordinances.

Most violations entail a fine of P1,000 while smoking in public has a fine that ranges from P1,500 to P2,000.

Earlier, over KTV News, Luardo told the mayor’s special assistant, Ramil Ayuman, that there are city residents who get mad whenever they are cited for violations but she said this will not stop them from performing their duties.

“Sa pagkakaron, hinay-hinay… makakita tang naay masuko nato, naay di musabot… kabalo man ta’s ubang tawo, negative thinker ba, imbes nga better sila, bitter na gyud nuon kaayo… pero kinahanglan gyud ta mangihusog… para sakaayuhan sa atong city… kung di ta mangusog, sa giingon ng mayor, kung dili kita, kinsa man?” she said.- JMO (FREEMAN)