IF YOU reside in Mandaue City, you’d better avoid spitting in public and loitering because authorities will go after you.
The Mandaue City Council approved on first reading Thursday, June 18, 2020 a proposed ordinance that will prohibit spitting in public and loitering as a measure against the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Councilor Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, author of the ordinance and chairperson of the committee on health, said the novel coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, is transmitted through a person’s respiratory droplets and saliva.
This is why government has mandated the wearing of face masks, she said.
However, she said some people were still spitting in public amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Kinahanglan nga ato sad nga disiplinahon (We should discipline them),” said Ruiz.
Ruiz said an existing ordinance on solid waste management contains a provision against spitting, but it is not highlighted.
The proposed ordinance will emphasize the anti-spitting and anti-loitering policy.
Violators will be reprimanded for the first offense, and required to pay a fine of P1,000 for the second offense, P2,000 for the third offense, and P3,000 for the fourth offense.
Barangay tanods and other law enforcement agencies in Mandaue CIty will enforce the ordinance.
A citizen’s arrest is not encouraged. Rather, the public is encouraged to take photos of violators and report to the authorities.
“This is the only way to protect us and our family,”
said Ruiz.
The measure still needs to be approved on second and third reading.