A Manila councilor filed an ordinance that would prohibit spitting in any public place, which he described as a "very unsanitary and unhygienic act" that could spread diseases.
Councilor Don Bagatsing of the city’s fourth district explained that spitting in public only shows utter disrespect towards the public, public property and those who value cleanliness and a clean environment.
In pushing for the ordinance, Bagatsing said most progressive and highly urbanized and civilized cities in the world, particularly Singapore, have anti-spitting laws.
Bagatsing said it shall be prohibited for any person to spit, expectorate or dispose of saliva or mucus in public places where the public assembles within the jurisdiction of Manila.
If approved, any person who violates the measure shall be fined P500. To further teach them lessons, the alderman also considered putting up an area, where violators would be confined for a certain period. — Cecille Suerte Felipe