Anti-littering violators decreasing in Makati

MANILA, Philippines -  Violators of anti-littering law is decreasing in Makati City, the City’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) chief Ulysess Orienza said yesterday.

Orienza said that 3,620 litterbugs were apprehended in the first six months of 2010.

He said this was 428 less than the litterbugs apprehended in the same period last year which totaled to 4,048.

“We have continued our city­wide anti-littering drive in line with the directive of Mayor Junjun Binay to intensify the environmental advocacy program of the city government that is geared towards climate change mitigation and adaptation,” Orienza said.

Orienza said violators of the anti-littering ordinance were caught in different parts of the city by local environmental enforcers during anti-littering operations from January to June of the year.

He said 392 of the 3,620 violators who were caught indiscriminately throwing candy or food wrappers, cigarette butts and other waste materials are Makati residents while the rest were either transients, mostly city workers from other localities.      

“The reduction can be attributed to greater awareness of residents and the general public of the strict anti-littering policy of the city, and a better appreciation of the importance of maintaining clean and litter-free surroundings to prevent the occurrence of disastrous floods, landslides, epidemics and other hazards to the lives and properties of people,” Orienza said.

 Orienza said all the apprehended litterbugs were issued citation tickets and slapped with a fine of P1,000.

He said violators are usually given three days to settle their penalties.

Should they fail to show up within the prescribed period, they will be served with summons and subsequently charged in court.