CEPMO, GSO get marching orders to gather evidence vs violators on garbage problems

Mayor Benjamin Magalong has issued marching orders to two key departments to gather pieces of evidence to warrant the filing of criminal cases against persons who violate the city’s Anti-Littering Ordinance.

“The situation has become so frustrating. Undisciplined people have been ignoring the law and shamelessly showing their utter lack of concern for the environment, for our roads and parks, for our rivers. Maybe it’s time to teach them a lesson,” the mayor said.

The mayor had earlier called for further increase in the penalty for those who carelessly dispose of their solid and liquid wastes to compel people into compliance.

He said that despite the city’s best efforts to instill discipline and stop the repulsive practice of indiscriminately throwing waste along roads and discharging septage into the waterways, some people continue with their deed unmindful of its consequence to the environment and the health of the community.

Aside from putting more teeth to the ordinance, he said the city can also start filing cases and avail of legal actions to prove its seriousness in attaining its goal of a clean and orderly city.

Thus his issuance of marching orders to the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) and the City General Services Office (GSO) to gather as much evidence as they can against erring individuals, households and establishments to facilitate the filing of cases against them.

Violators of the city’s Anti-Littering Ordinance (Ordinance No. 54-1988 as amended by Ordinance No. 59-2020) are subject to penalties of fines ranging from P1,000-5,000 or community service of up to 36 hours for individuals and fines of P3,000-P5,000 with suspension and revocation of business permits for establishments.

They are also liable to penalties under the Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act, Republic Act 9275 or the Clean Water Act. – Aileen P. Refuerzo