La Trinidad, Benguet mayor seeks updated anti-moma ordinance to curb 'red spit' issue

La Trinidad, Benguet Mayor Roderick Awingan has requested the town council to update an existing anti-moma ordinance, Municipal Ordinance No. 04, series of 2011, as part of efforts to end "unwelcome red spits."

"While we recognize and respect moma (betel nut chewing) as a deeply rooted cultural tradition in the Cordillera, the rising concerns regarding public health, environmental sanitation and the exposure of our youth to early addiction requires more stringent regulation," Awingan said in a statement posted on social media.

Awingan said the ban on moma chewing and spitting should include "all public workplaces, healthcare facilities, public vehicles (such as taxis, buses, tricycles and jeepneys) and public spaces (such as parks, plazas and commercial walkways)."

Sellers, distributors, and marketing of moma and related ingredients such as bua, gawed, lime and tobacco should not be allowed within 100-meter radius of schools, playgrounds, and government facilities.

There should also be an "absolute prohibition" of selling of moma and related ingredients to minors.

The penalty for violating provisions of the proposed updated ordinance should include mandatory community service. First time offenders should be instructed to clean public areas while penalties should be stricter for repeat offenders that may include increased fines for business establishments that sell moma to minors or operate within the restricted zones.

The proposed amendments, says Awingan, are linked to the Smoke-Free Ordinance and national clean air and sanitation laws.

"They will go a long way in preventing the unsightly staining of our public walls and roads, reducing health risks associated with betel nut chewing, and keeping our school environments clean and healthy," the mayor said. — BAP, GMA News