MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) enjoined local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce ordinances on vandalism and ensure that violators would “face the consequences of their actions.”
The reminder was issued after a youth group spray-painted protest statements at the newly-refurbished Lagusnilad Underpass in Manila.
READ: Vandalism or art? Spray-painted messages irk Manila bureau
One of the messages painted on the wall of the underpass in front of the Manila City Hall. (Photo from the Facebook account of Panday Sining)
DILG Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan E. Malaya, said that LGUs should revisit their implementation of anti-vandalism policies, adding that the Philippine National Police (PNP) should apprehend those who were found violating ordinances.
“LGUs should, therefore, see to it that they strictly enforce their laws on vandalism so that vandals will face the consequences of their actions,” Malaya said.
Malaya added that vandalism is a form of malicious mischief under Article 327 of the Revised Penal Code.
“Change cannot be realized by the government alone. Tulad na lang ng bandalismo. Hindi biro ang pagpapapintura at pagsasaayos ng mga public walls and properties. Samantalang sa ilang segundo lamang ay napakadali ang pagsira nito ng mga nagbabandalismo,” Malaya said.
(Change cannot be realized by the government alone. Re-painting of public walls and properties is no joke. And just in a few seconds, these are ruined by vandals).
Malaya said there are other ways to express views on social issues, as he urged groups to instead engage in clean-up activities and other initiatives.
“While we respect the rights of these organizations to express their views and opinion, that right is not absolute,” Malaya said.
“Ang karapatan ay may hangganan at kaakibat na responsibilidad. ‘Di na nga kayo nakatulong, ‘wag na sanang mamerwisyo pa ng iba (Rights have limits and attached responsibility. If you cannot help, do not an irritant to others),” he added.
Further, Malaya said: “With the advent of social media, vandalisms like this have directed attention to the obnoxiousness of their method rather than the meaning of their message.”