MMC head Zamora backs review on garbage contracts, higher penalties for littering

Metro Manila Council president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora expressed support for Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s call for local executives to check their garbage collection contracts for possible corruption.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Zamora said the Ombudsman’s call should serve as a reminder to mayors to ensure that waste management deals are properly implemented.

“For me, this is guidance from the Ombudsman, reminding us to ensure that the implementation of contracts on waste is carried out correctly,” Zamora said in Filipino.

He noted that waste management involves significant public funds.

The Metro Manila Council president said San Juan's garbage contracts have not been the subject of controversy. He said his administration has no corruption or anomalies involving its garbage-management contracts.

Meanwhile, Zamora said the Local Government Code currently allows cities to impose a maximum fine of P5,000 for littering under local ordinances, while municipalities have a P2,500 ceiling.

San Juan has already amended its ordinance to impose the P5,000 maximum fine for improper garbage disposal, according to him.

Zamora said Congress could consider reviewing the Local Government Code and other existing laws to increase the penalty ceiling, particularly as improper disposal of garbage continues to clog rivers, creeks and drainage systems.

He also stressed the importance of individual discipline, saying residents should properly dispose of their garbage even without the threat of penalties.

Zamora also cited the importance of dredging in reducing flooding. — RSJ, GMA News