By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – Las Piñas Lone District Rep. Mark Anthony Santos on Thursday urged local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to establish and deputize dedicated “garbage police” to strictly enforce anti-littering and waste disposal regulations and apprehend violators within their respective jurisdictions.
Santos said the creation of dedicated garbage enforcement teams would strengthen the implementation of existing anti-littering laws and ensure that those who recklessly throw or dump garbage in public places are held accountable.
“We need garbage police who will be visible on our streets and in our communities. They should have the authority, under existing laws and ordinances, to apprehend violators and bring them before the proper authorities. We cannot solve the garbage crisis if our anti-littering laws exist only on paper,” Santos said in a news release.
He proposed that the “Garbage Police” be a separate enforcement unit from the existing barangay tanods (village watchmen), with personnel specifically trained and deputized to monitor and enforce anti-littering and solid waste management regulations.
Santos also proposed that members of the garbage police receive regular monthly compensation from appropriate LGU funds, subject to existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules.
The lawmaker said the proposed garbage police should be properly trained, deputized and equipped to conduct enforcement operations in streets, sidewalks, waterways, markets, transport terminals, and other identified littering hotspots.
Santos proposed the garbage police be authorized, where legally permitted, to issue environmental citation tickets and document violations through photographs, videos and other lawful means to strengthen enforcement and prevent repeat offenses.
He also called for closer coordination among the garbage police, barangays, local environment offices, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ensure that apprehended violators are properly documented and processed in accordance with the law.
Under existing MMDA Regulation 96-009, as amended, littering, dumping and throwing garbage in public places are prohibited throughout Metro Manila. The regulation provides for enforcement by the MMDA and its deputized representatives, agents and sanitary enforcers.
However, Santos said enforcement must go hand in hand with public education, adequate garbage collection, sufficient waste receptacles, and a comprehensive solid waste management program.
“Ang layunin natin ay hindi lamang manghuli at magmulta. Ang gusto natin ay magkaroon ng disiplina at tuluyang mabago ang kultura ng pagtatapon ng basura. Pero para mangyari iyon, kailangang maramdaman ng publiko na seryoso ang pamahalaan sa pagpapatupad ng batas (Our aim is not only to apprehend and fine violators. We want to inculcate discipline and completely change the culture of waste disposal. For this to happen, the public needs to feel that government is serious in implementing the law),” he said.
He added the establishment of dedicated garbage police units across Metro Manila, operating under clear rules and proper legal authority, could strengthen the region’s response to the growing garbage crisis and promote greater discipline in waste disposal. (PNA)
