(UPDATE) THE Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday, Sept. 16, set a standard fine of P5,000 for littering and improper garbage disposal in all 16 cities of the National Capital Region (NCR).
MMC president and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said all Metro Manila mayors have agreed to unify the penalty for violators, except Pateros, which as the only municipality in the group will retain its existing P2,500 fine.
“The Metro Manila Council has agreed that we will now have a standard fine worth P5,000 for those caught throwing garbage in the wrong places, including rivers, creeks, canals, and streets,” Zamora said.
The MMC resolution states there will be no exceptions or price differences regardless of whether the litter is large garbage bags or small candy wrappers, as the goal is to instill discipline and prevent littering altogether.
Public workers, including police officers and barangay officials, have been deputized to issue violation tickets under the measure.
Zamora said the decision followed their joint inspection with MMDA Chairman Don Artes at the Lambingan Bridge of the San Juan River, where they saw large amounts of garbage in plastic bags.
“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 clogged with trash.
Zamora said San Juan City already implemented the P5,000 fine, raising it from the previous P3,000, while other LGUs are expected to follow through their amended ordinances.
The new fine harmonization builds on MMDA Regulation 96-009, which prohibits littering, dumping, or improper garbage disposal in Metro Manila and provides the legal framework for enforcement.
