“JUNE 12, ‘di na ko gusto makakita og garbage, 24/7. Dili na ko gusto makakita og mga tawo nga mangatulog (sa dalan).”
This was the ultimatum that Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama set for the barangays in the city as part of his campaign to achieve a Singapore-like city.
There was no mention as to where the City would place the street dwellers.
Rama made the statement during the commemoration of the 146th Vicente Sotto Day at the Rizal Memorial Museum and Library in Cebu City on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
He said “daob” or burning of garbage should be discouraged, especially with the heat index these days that make it easier for light materials to catch fire.
Environmental laws in the country prohibit the burning of wastes or garbage anywhere. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, or Republic Act (RA) 9003 and RA 8749 or the Clean Air Act prohibit and penalize open burning defined “as the thermal destruction of waste by means of direct exposure to fire.”
RA 8749 provides that “no person shall be allowed to burn any materials in any quantities which shall cause the emission of toxic and poisonous fumes. Such materials include but are not limited to plastic,” among others.
Fines for violators will be at least P10,000 but not more than P100,000 or six years of imprisonment, or both. (EKV)