More than 100 litterbugs were apprehended by Manila police over the weekend as part of the amplified campaign by the City government to address indiscriminate disposal of garbage in the city, Mayor Joseph Estrada said Monday.
Those arrested will be charged for violating City Ordinance 7866 for illegal disposal of garbage with a fine of P3,000 and/or imprisonment of 30 days or both upon the discretion of the court, Estrada said.
The city government is vigorously pursuing its anti-garbage program in the city aimed at ridding Manila of a wanton disposal problem that has become overwhelming, the mayor said.
Estrada has asked citizens to act responsibility through motivational messages in print and social media.
“However, some citizens are disregarding the law with impunity,” he said, adding he is left with no choice but to enforce the law.
The city government cannot accept citizens littering the drains and canals as it is an economic, environmental and social burden, Estrada said.
“When the environment is polluted and defaced with litter, it affects our ability to promote Manila as a tourist destination,” the Manila chief executive said.
The mayor has instructed the Manila Police District to apprehend those who will violate the city ordinance.
The campaign against litterbugs was intensified because of unabated littering by irresponsible individuals, poor garbage disposal by uncooperative households, and delays in the hauling of garbage, he said.
