MMDA supports use of spy cameras to catch litterbugs

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aired its support yesterday for a proposal raised by environment watchdog EcoWaste Coalition to use its 50 closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) positioned at key sections of the metropolis to catch litterbugs.

MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno said they are still studying the proposal because they need to identify the agency responsible for actually apprehending the litterbugs.

Nacianceno said MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino has welcomed the proposal, stressing that indiscriminate garbage-throwing is a major cause of flooding in Metro Manila.

“Despite (typhoon) ‘Ondoy,’ people have not learned that throwing garbage indiscriminately would lead to drainage system clogging and flooding,” he said.

The MMDA also said there is a greater threat of flooding in Metro Manila now, with the rainy season affected by the La Niña weather phenomenon that brings heavier than normal rainfall.

According to the EcoWaste Coalition, littering is an environmental offense under Section 48 of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which prohibits the dumping of waste matters in public places such as roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros, parks and establishments.

Violators upon conviction can be fined between P300 and P1,000 and render community service of up to 15 days, the coalition added.

According to EcoWaste, while local government units have enacted ordinances to deter littering within their jurisdictions, it has proven ineffective mainly due to the lack of political will and effective public education.