MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday, September 16, imposed a ₱5,000 fine for littering and improper garbage disposal in all 16 cities of the National Capital Region (NCR), with Pateros as the sole exemption.
MMC president and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said all Metro Manila mayors have agreed to unify the penalty for violators, noting that Pateros will retain its ₱2,500 fine.
“The Metro Manila Council has agreed that we will now have a standard fine worth ₱5,000 for those caught throwing garbage in the wrong places, including rivers, creeks, canals, and streets,” Zamora said.
The announcement was made following their inspection of the San Juan River, where they saw large amounts of waste.
“If we will not discipline our citizens, and we will just allow them to throw garbage in rivers and creeks, we will just experience flooding on repeat,” he said, adding that even upgraded drainage systems will be rendered useless if they are clogged by trash.
The MMC resolution covers the throwing of candy wrappers.
Public workers, including police officers and barangay officials, have been deputized to issue violation tickets.
