EDITORIAL - No spitting

Beijing told its people to stop spitting in public, and the Chinese followed. But that’s a different society. Will Filipinos do the same, if spitting in public places becomes a criminal offense? House Bill 5901, or the Anti-Spitting Act, proposes a ban on spitting particularly in streets, alleys, sidewalks, parks, markets, shopping malls, transport terminals, schools, churches and hospitals.

The proponent of the bill, AVE party-list Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay, cited public health for his advocacy. He explained that spitting in public could spread germs that cause tuberculosis and hepatitis. It is one bad habit that truly needs to be curbed; there are people who spit indiscriminately not only while walking, but also out of vehicle windows, unmindful of where the spit lands.

The bill proposes fines ranging from P500 to P2,000 and imprisonment of six months for a third offense. The measure has a good chance of enactment into law. How well it can be enforced is another story. The country has too many laws waiting for proper enforcement, including laws against smoking in public places, and ordinances on proper garbage disposal. The ban on the use of plastic bags, enforced in some cities, is just one indication of the failure to enforce laws against littering.

Banning spitting in public makes sense, although the fact that a law has to be passed in an attempt to stop the disgusting habit does not speak well of Filipinos. While lawmakers are at it, they can include a ban on urinating against walls and lampposts, or in any public area that is not designated as a toilet. Again, a law shouldn’t even be required to stop this, but a stroll in Metro Manila will show too many places that reek of urine. As in the proposed law against spitting, however, this one will work only if enforced.