First nod on move vs. those who throw trash off vehicles

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board yesterday approved on first reading the proposed ordinance penalizing passengers of public utility vehicles who indiscriminately throw any kind of garbage along national highways in the province in the course of travel.

The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, also requires PUV operators to put up notices inside their vehicles warning passengers about the matter.

The Board took cognizance of the recurring problem on indiscriminate throwing of all kinds or forms of waste by passengers aboard PUV plying the national highways in the province.

Magpale said such indifferent attitude and unsanitary practice among unscrupulous passengers have threatened the health of the public, the ecological balance of nature, and the beauty of the environment.

“There is real need to impose strict discipline, preventive and punitive measures that can effectively help attain our goal for a wholesome living for the constituents of the province,” Magpale said.

Aside from passengers, the proposal shall also be applicable to all PUV operators, public utility jeepney drivers and conductors.

Once the proposal is approved and becomes as an ordinance, drivers and conductors will be required to announce to passengers upon departure that throwing of garbage out of the vehicle during travel is prohibited and punishable.

Police officers and barangay tanods in the province shall be deputized to apprehend or arrest violators.

The corresponding penalties include a fine of P1,000 and imprisonment of not more than 15 days for operators and a fine of P500 and imprisonment of not more than 10 days for drivers, for both conductors and passengers.   - (THE FREEMAN)