‘Local bets must protect water resources, too’
AN ENVIRONMENTAL watch group has urged candidates vying for local posts in the May 9 elections to make the protection of waterways part of their political platform.
“(The local candidates should) espouse sustainable solutions that will protect the country’s water resources from chemical and waste dumping and other damaging human activities,” EcoWaste Coalition said.
Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste Coalition coordinator, said that “indiscriminate trash disposal” in general leads to more flooding events that may pose a “serious hazard to the life and property” of citizens.
In fact, Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act classifies the dumping of waste matters in public places as an act punishable by a fine of P300 to P1,000, or one to 15 days of community service, or both, she added.
“So throwing trash into the streets, storm drains, creeks and rivers is unethical and unlawful,” Lucero said although she noted that illegal waste disposal has yet to be curbed.
She cited as an example the 288 truckloads (about 2,989 cubic meters) of garbage and silt so far removed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from five of the 273 esteros and sewers in Metro Manila since March 1.
“As it is a crucial component of any program geared at attaining sustainable development, we find it essential for our aspiring political leaders to tackle water and sanitation issues and solutions for the benefit of all,” Lucero said.
But at the same time, the public should “properly manag(e) discards” so that trash will not “get into drainage systems, blocking the drains and ultimately clogging creeks and rivers and hampering the free flow of water,” she added.
“We request our city dwellers, especially those with houses by the rivers and canals, to cooperate with the [MMDA] and concerned local government units in protecting our waterways from garbage,” Lucero said.
The official start of the campaign period for local candidates was on Friday, March 25, 45 days before the polls based on Resolution No. 9981 of the Commission on Elections.
However, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that March 25 being Good Friday, local candidates may begin campaigning only on March 26.
