Sanchez: Bacolod waterworld

NO, BACOLOD didn't look like Venice last week. Not at all.

It looked so Third World, with drainage systems unable to efficiently drain floodwaters. Worse, trash clogged the streets.

Don't take it from me. Take it from Executive Assistant Jose María Vargas, cluster head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

According to him, these triple whammies can be blamed on heavy rains, massive waste, and unfinished drainage rehabilitation work.

The first can be attributed to force majeure (an act of God).

But massive wastes and drainage rehab are certainly human-made.

Vargas pointed out that some areas became flooded because of massive garbage like in Libertad Market and some areas of Lacson Street.

Vargas pointed out that in the last few months they were able to collect more than 2,000 sacks of garbage during de-clogging operations.

In fact, Bacolod City Ordinance 596 "prohibits the indiscriminate throwing and dumping of garbage, rubbish or any waste in open or public places" and requiring residential and business establishments to clean and manage their surroundings.

The penalties included P500 and a day of community service.

So despite the ordinance and de-clogging efforts, why cannot be more pro-active LGU in enforcing the law? Why are there no public warnings the public on CO 596 and the corresponding penalties for violating it?

How about Republic Act 9003? It says, "Littering, throwing, dumping of waste matters in public places, such as roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros or parks, and establishment..."

Its penalties under the Republic Act is very stringent. "Any person who violates Sec. 48 paragraph shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than (P300.00) but not more than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) or render community service for not less than one day."

The laws are there. Why has Mayor Evelio Leonardia not enforcing them? As a lawyer he should know the maxim: "Sed lex, dura lex" (the law is harsh but it is the law).

Was he faithful in his Oath of Office that he will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that he will obey the laws, legal orders and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Republic of the Philippines; and that he imposes these obligations upon himself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose?

Will Mayor Leonardia give his marching orders to law enforcement officers to apprehend litterbugs? Or should Bacolodnons wait for another waterworld in this rainy season?

(bqsanc@yahoo.com)