‘No sleeping, littering in plaza’

SLEEPING and littering inside the Plaza Independencia will no longer be allowed with the passage of a Cebu City ordinance regulating its use.

A fine of P500 to P1,000 and jail term of up to six months will be imposed on violators.

The ordinance sponsored by Councilor Nida Cabrera was approved on third and final reading by the City Council last June 27.

The ordinance covers pet owners who leave the fecal waste of their dogs and other animals in the plaza grounds.

It also prohibits the removal of chairs, tables and other facilities inside the plaza, the cutting of trees or plants. Climbing the trees, monuments, railings and fences is also prohibited.

But Councilor Ronald Cuenco said the city should provide garbage bins before they start to apprehend pet owners and litterbugs.

“Lisud kaayo (It’s difficult) to enforce the ordinance if there are no receptacles,” he said.

Cabrera said it would be the responsibility of pet owners to bring plastic bags to wrap their pet’s poo and dispose of them later in garbage bins around the plaza.

The public park was closed for renovation in 2010. It was reopened in time for the Sinulog 2011 celebration in February. /Correspondent Edison A. delos Angeles