BAGUIO City Vice Mayor Edison Bilog proposed an ordinance prohibiting the chewing and spitting of betel nuts in all public places in a bid to promote health and cleanliness.
“Momma” is the mixture of betel nut, gaw-wed [betel leaf paper], lime and tobacco which is usually chewed and spit out.
Bilog in his proposed ordinance said there have been numerous laws on spitting and the mandate for betel nut users to use a spittoon but sees lack of implementation.
“Marks of betel quid or momma is evident in public places and even containers with betel liquid which were not disposed of properly most especially in the Central Business District including parks, public utility vehicles and terminals,” added Bilog.
Chewing betel nut is a traditional custom in the Cordillera, particularly among the Ifugaos giving a mild rush of energy. The mixture is also taken to give strength to work the fields the whole day.
A spittoon is a receptacle to keep spittle, is recommended to be used by the momma chewing public to keep their spit contained.
In Bilog proposal, the Health Services Office will be the lead agency in the implementation of the ordinance if approved with the City Market Division of the City Treasurers Office, the Baguio City Police Office and the Public Order and Safety Division.
Betel nut vendors are not prohibited from selling to adults but must inform the buyers of the ordinance, however if caught selling to minors, a fine of P3,000 will be imposed.
Fines and penalties will also be meted to violators.