Laws against littering pushed

MANILA, Philippines—Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino on Wednesday asked Metro mayors to enact anti-littering ordinances in their areas before the onset of the rainy season to avert flooding.

“When our local government units implement anti-littering campaigns simultaneously and as one, we will send a strong signal to the public that we mean business,” he said in a statement.

However, local governments that already have anti-littering laws should enforce them “without letup” to prevent flooding in the streets, he added.

According to Tolentino, the MMDA has also been doing its share. During the renewed enforcement of the anti-littering ordinance passed by the Metro Manila Council several years ago, MMDA personnel accosted 21,000 people for disposing of their trash illegally.

Under the ordinance, which is being enforced on major thoroughfares under the jurisdiction of the agency, violators will be fined between P500 and P1,000 in addition to rendering community service.