Smoke-belching drive goes pffft...

Smoke belching vehicles have become more prevalent since last year, particularly along busy EDSA.

The reason is simple: There are no apprehensions being made along EDSA (and most of Metro Manila) of smoke belching perpetrators.

According to a source from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, there are practically no existing anti-smoke belching operations being conducted along EDSA.

The deputation of the MMDA to apprehend smoke belchers expired at the end of last year and has yet to be renewed by the Land Transportation Office.

Under the Clean Air Act, most of the responsibility in anti-smoke belching operations fall under the LTO, including the deputation of agencies involved in the apprehension and testing of vehicles.

Without the deputation from the LTO, the MMDA is powerless to conduct any anti-smoke belching operation.

Since May of last year when the MMDA started its anti-smoke belching campaign, an average of 300 apprehensions were recorded on a daily basis.

The MMDA has only two opacimeters used to test the emission levels of vehicles on the roadside.

Former MMDA chairman Jejomar Binay said last year that at least 10 more opacimeters would be purchased by the MMDA to strengthen its anti-smoke belching operations.

Based on studies conducted by the MMDA, an estimated 1,500 apprehensions are needed daily to comply with the zero smoke belching target by year 2003 set under the Clean Air Act.

There was also some degree of opposition last year during the start of implementation of the Clean Air Act from the transport groups.

The groups were pushing for deferment until such time that the testing of vehicles was clearly and well-defined.

Concerns were raised on the ability of the enforcers to effectively implement the law because of the complications involved in the testing guidelines.

The source claimed that part of the reason for the worsening of the air quality in Metro Manila is the proliferation of garbage-burning by households and some local government units.

Since the San Mateo landfill was closed this year, no disposal site has yet been made available for the use of Metro Manila.

In order to cope with the growing piles of garbage on the streets, some of the contractors of the LGUs have resorted to burning the garbage on open roads.

Meanwhile, former House Speaker Manny Villar urged the immediate clean-up of the Metro Manila’s canals and esteros to prevent future flooding caused by clogged garbage.

"We must do it now while we are still experiencing the dry season," said Villar. He adds that the yearly flooding problem is caused mainly by garbage clogging drainage and waterways and the inability to prepare for the onset of the rainy season.

"In the past, we would clean-up and de-clog esteros and canals only when the water is already neck-deep. We should have foresight and start the clean-up now," he said.

He urged concerned government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as the MMDA and various local government units to start the clean-up of these places at the soonest possible time.

"We should not be trying to solve the problem when it is already there but on the other hand, we must take preventive measures," said Villar.

Villar said that with the garbage crisis faced by the country, improperly disposed waste has caused the clogging of esteros and canals that will eventually cause floods in the metropolis.

He says that the early clean-up can help reduce or prevent the yearly floods leading to human casualties and the spread of various diseases as well as damage to property.

Villar also appealed to Filipinos to properly dispose of their trash and not throw them on the streets as this will only inconvenience them in the form of floods.