Cigarette litterbugs caught

A total of 78 motorists have been penalized by enforcers of the Makati public safety and police traffic department in the past week for throwing cigarette ash and butts out onto the streets within the city.

Those who were caught throwing cigarette butts outside their vehicles were fined for violating the existing anti-littering ordinance of the city. Others who were seen flicking their ashes into the streets were likewise cited, although they got off with just a warning for the first offense.

The renewed drive is part of the tough anti-smoking campaign launched by the Makati City government on orders of Mayor Jejomar Binay. The city recently passed a comprehensive anti-smoking ordinance that bans smoking in all public buildings and in all hospitals and schools. Privately owned buildings are also directed to identify and assign smoking areas as the only place where smoking will be allowed.

The ban also applies to all public vehicles, including taxicabs even without passengers.