Manila: A bill has been filed at the House of Representatives seeking to hold littering offenders accountable by requiring them to render community service, including cleaning canals, esteros, and other waterways.
According to Philippines News Agency, under House Bill 10841, or the Anti-Littering Community Service Act, offenders would be required to render one day or eight hours of community service for the first offense, two days for the second offense, and three days for the third and succeeding offenses. Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, the bill's author, emphasized the simplicity of the proposal, urging citizens to hold onto their trash until a proper disposal method is available to prevent flooding and environmental damage.
Tiangco highlighted that a single piece of trash might seem inconsequential, but accumulated garbage can clog waterways and exacerbate flooding issues. The bill aims to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which prohibits littering and dumping in public places. Tiangco pointed out that weak enforcement has limited the effectiveness of existing anti-littering rules.
The proposed measure also references the significant amount of garbage recently collected by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority from a waterway after heavy rainfall. Tiangco stressed the collective impact of clogged canals on families, motorists, businesses, and workers, asserting that clear accountability in enforcement is crucial.
Additionally, the bill provides penalties for local officials and employees who fail to enforce the measure. They may face a 15-day suspension without pay for the first offense, 30 days for the second, and dismissal from service for further offenses, in accordance with civil service rules.
The community service activities, such as canal-cleaning, must be conducted under supervision and with the necessary protective equipment, tools, sanitation facilities, and safeguards against hazardous work. Safe alternative assignments would be available for vulnerable or medically unfit offenders.
Offenders who fail to complete the required community service would face appropriate proceedings and penalties under the Revised Penal Code and other applicable laws. Once enacted, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, in coordination with concerned national agencies and local governments, would issue the implementing rules within 15 days from the law's date of effectivity.
