Palace eyes stiffer penalties for irresponsible trash disposal

Malacañang on Monday said the government is considering imposing stiffer penalties on people caught improperly disposing of garbage, as part of the government's efforts to address flooding.

"If you are caught littering, you will be held accountable. At present, discussions are underway on creating or increasing the penalties for those who irresponsibly throw garbage just anywhere," Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a press briefing.

Castro urged the public to be responsible not only for themselves but also for the country.

"We have fellow Filipinos who were caught on CCTV throwing garbage into creeks. We also have fellow Filipinos who throw garbage out of the windows of moving vehicles," she said.

"If you cannot help clean the drainage systems, then at least do not contribute to flooding," she added.

Castro's remarks came as the government continues to push measures aimed at reducing flooding, including improving drainage systems and encouraging proper waste disposal.

Meanwhile, Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the Navotas Fish Port Complex.

"Before, it was congested, prone to flooding, and struggled to keep pace with the growth of business. That was the condition of the Navotas Fish Port before the rehabilitation began. Now, it is more spacious, safer, and better prepared for progress because of the improvements made there," she said.— MCG, GMA News