MMDA nabs 250 litterbugs since crackdown

MANILA, Philippines - Personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have apprehended some 250 litterbugs since the agency re-implemented last Thursday its anti-littering ordinance for Metro Manila.

MMDA spokesman Yves Gonzales said the violators were all issued Environmental Violation Receipts (EVR) and were made to pay the corresponding fines.

Gonzales said many of those arrested by the MMDA’s “environment enforcers” were caught throwing candy wrappers and cigarette butts in the streets.

Fines for litterbugs range from P500 for first time offenders to P1,000 for repeat offenders. Litterbugs may also be ordered to perform a maximum of 16 hours of community service if they cannot afford to pay the fine.

Meanwhile, the MMDA is looking into the possibility of buying additional garbage bins to support its ongoing anti-littering campaign.

In addition to buying the additional garbage bins, the MMDA will also be conducting an information drive to develop in Metro Manila residents the discipline to throw garbage properly.

“Right now, we have to apprehend people. But we should not be doing this. The mentality is we should not commit the offense even if there is no officer in the streets,” MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno said.

MMDA Regulation Number 99-006 which was approved by the Metro Manila Council in 1996, prohibits littering, dumping, and throwing of garbage or any kind of waste in open or public places.