Noynoy wants crackdown on litterbugs

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino is seeking the strict implementation of law imposing fines and 15 days of community service against littering the waterways and their surroundings.

Under Section 48 of Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, littering is considered an environmental offense. It prohibits the dumping of waste in public places such as roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros, parks and establishments.

Violators upon conviction can be fined P300 to P1,000 or render one to 15 days of community service, or both, according to the implementing rules and regulations of RA 9003.          

As one who wakes up daily to the view of the dismal state of the Pasig River, Aquino said he was looking forward not only for a heavier fine on polluters but also to the 15 days of community service for those who would violate the law.

“Every time when I wake up I face the Pasig River and I know how bad the (condition of the) Pasig River is and I look forward to the implementation of the law so that those who pollute our rivers will be given a fine... but I look forward (even more) to the 15 days of community service that will be imposed on those who have abused our rivers,” Aquino said in a speech at the 10th Bayer Young Environment Envoys awards.

The Pasig River, which stretches for 25 kilometers from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay and serves as a major transport route, has been declared a critical water body because of the tons of waste dumped into it daily by households and industries.

“The challenges confronting our nation today are large – they can be intimidating because no single individual or organization can overcome them on their own,” he said. “But together, we can make a difference. You have to stand up and be counted, and then the power of one can become People Power.”

The President noted several ongoing environmental projects of the government in which the youth could participate.

One of these, he said, was the administration’s solid waste management program promoting recycling, proper collection and disposal of garbage. The youth, Aquino added, could post in the Internet information on cleaning up esteros, or the next schedule of the waste segregation day.

“We encourage you to join us, in whatever way possible, in these worthwhile projects. Your youth is your greatest resource. You have the ability to respond quickly to problems and find creative ways to solve them. You have the ability to access and understand different kinds of information,” the President said.

MMDA to businessmen: Observe anti-littering law

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday called on businessmen to help prevent flooding in the metropolis by observing proper garbage disposal this rainy season.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said businessmen and the public should exercise civil will and promote social responsibility, especially with the implementation of the country’s anti-littering law.

“Every Metro Manilan can be a part of this effort, we can start by cleaning up the streets and not littering,” Tolentino said.

According to Tolentino, every piece of trash that is indiscriminately thrown ends up clogging the waterways and could cause flooding.

Yesterday, MMDA personnel started talking to owners of business establishments and car dealerships along EDSA from Ortigas Ave­nue to Camp Crame, to help in the agency’s clean-up drive and clear their storefronts of garbage.

In addition, Tolentino also called on the owners of these business establishments to help the MMDA enforce illegal parking rules and serve as “flood spotters” during heavy rain.

According to the MMDA, under the anti-littering law, litterbugs will be slapped with fines ranging from P500 to P1,000. Aside from the indiscriminate throwing of garbage, littering, the MMDA says, also includes the illegal posting of billboards and streamers.

Meanwhile, the MMDA will start training some 500 volunteers for the immediate rescue of flood victims and inclement weather intervention. The trainings will start tomorrow at the MMDA headquarters in Makati City. – With Mike Frialde