The Anti-Littering Law in Metro Manila aims to curb littering, improper waste disposal, and other activities detrimental to public cleanliness. Enforced by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), it imposes fines and penalties on violators to promote a cleaner and more hygienic environment in the metropolitan area.
Understanding the Anti-Littering Law in Metro Manila is crucial for residents and visitors alike to maintain cleanliness and environmental sustainability in the city. By adhering to its provisions and refraining from littering or improper waste disposal, individuals can contribute to a cleaner and healthier urban environment. Compliance with the law not only fosters civic responsibility but also enhances the overall quality of life for everyone in the community, too.
What is the Anti-Littering Law
The Anti-Littering Law, officially known as MMDA Regulation No. 96-009, prohibits a range of activities that contribute to littering, improper waste disposal, and environmental degradation. Enacted on August 22, 1996, and subsequently amended, this law aims to promote cleanliness and hygiene in public spaces.
The Anti-Littering Law was initially enforced on September 15, 1996 before it was suspended in August 2002. It was re-implemented in Metro Manila on September 16, 2010 to signify the ongoing commitment to upholding cleanliness standards within the metropolitan area.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the MMDA Anti-Littering Law include:
- Prohibition of littering, illegal dumping, and improper waste disposal in public spaces.
- Mandate against urinating, defecating, and spitting in public areas.
- Requirement for establishment owners to maintain clean frontages and immediate surroundings.
- Regulations on the proper stacking and disposal of garbage outside residences or establishments.
- Prohibition of obstructions on sidewalks and public spaces, including illegal structures and displays.
- Mandate for public utility vehicles (PUVs) to provide trash receptacles and maintain cleanliness.
- Restrictions on the spilling, scattering, and littering of waste by public utility vehicles.
- Prohibition of illegal postings, signage, billboards, posters, and advertisements in public areas.
Authority and Enforcement
Authorized enforcement officers, known as MMDA Environmental Enforcers (EE) are tasked with apprehending violators of the Anti-Littering Law. These officers are deputized by the National Solid Waste Management Commission and work in coordination with local government units to monitor public spaces and issue Environmental Violation Receipts (EVR). The EEs are identifiable by their prescribed uniforms (Blue polo-shirt with MMDA logo), and are dispatched with deputation/mission order and identification cards (both MMDA’s ID and Deputation ID).
Penalties for Violations
When caught, violators of the Anti-Littering Law may face administrative fines or community service, depending on the nature of the offense. Fines range from P500 to P1000, with corresponding hours of community service. Failure to settle fines may lead to legal action, including court proceedings and potential warrants of arrest.
Here’s a list of violations and the corresponding fines/penalties for each.
- Code 01
- Nature of Offense: Littering, Illegal dumping, Illegal disposal of garbage
- Fine: P500.00
- Option 2: Render Community Service for 8 hours (1 day)
- Code 02
- Nature of Offense: Urinating, defecating, spitting in a public place
- Fine: P500.00
- Option 2: Render Community Service for 8 hours (1 day)
- Code 03
- Nature of Offense: Dirty frontage and immediate surroundings for establishment owners
- Fine: P1000.00
- Option 2: Render Community Service for 16 hours (2 days)
- Code 04
- Nature of Offense: Improper and untimely stacking of garbage outside residence or establishment
- Fine: P500.00
- Option 2: Render Community Service for 8 hours (1 day)
- Code 05
- Nature of Offense: Obstruction (any dilapidated appliance, vehicle, and etc., display of merchandise, illegal structure along sidewalk)
- Fine: P1000.00
- Option 2: Render Community Service for 16 hours (2 days)
- Code 06
- Nature of Offense: Dirty public utility vehicles, or no trash can or receptacle
- Fine: P500.00
- Option 2: Render Community Service for 8 hours (1 day)
- Code 07
- Nature of Offense: Spilling, scattering, littering of wastes by public utility vehicles
- Fine: P500.00
- Option 2: Render Community Service for 8 hours (1 day)
- Code 08
- Nature of Offense: Illegal posting or installed signage, billboards, posters, streamers, and movie ads, etc.
- Fine: P1000.00
- Option 2: Render Community Service for 16 hours (2 days)
Settlement Options
Violators have several options to settle their violations, including payment at designated MMDA offices, rendering community service, or utilizing online payment platforms like GCash. Depending on your preference, here are the options and the detailed procedure for settling the fines for violating the MMDA Anti-Littering Law:
Option 1 – Payment of administrative fine/penalty
Step 1. Report to MMDA Health and Sanitation Office at the 7th floor of MMDA Bldg., Edsa Guadalupe, Makati City for assessment.
Step 2. Obtain an Order of Payment and pay administrative fines at the MMDA Treasury Office.
Note: Wearing shorts, slippers, sandos, sleeveless t-shirts (male & female) are prohibited inside the MMDA building.
For inquiries, contact (02) 8882-4150 to 77 Local 1130 or Direct line 888-20870.
Option 2 – To render Community Service
Step 1. Inform and contact the Health & Sanitation Office at (8882-4150 to 77 Local 1130 or direct line 888-20870) regarding the scheduled date for community service.
Step 2. Proceed to the designated area for community service as scheduled.
Step 3. Attend a Lecture/Orientation on the Anti-littering law after rendering community service.
Step 4. Violators will receive a Certificate of Compliance after completing community service.
Note: Wearing shorts, slippers, sandos, sleeveless attire is prohibited while rendering community service.
Option 3 – SM Bills Payment and Bayad Center
Step 1. Pay at any branch of SM Bills Payment or Bayad Center under Meralco Company nationwide.
Step 2. Present your EVR ticket or summon letter, fill up the form, and pay administrative fines.
Step 3. You may call the next day at (8882-4158 Loc. 1130 or direct line 888-20870) to ensure payment of your fine.
Option 4 – Online Payment
Step 1. Use the GCash application installed on your smartphone and ensure enough load. (Note: There is an additional charge fee from GCash).
Step 2. Click Pay Bills, then Government, then MMDA.
Step 3. You may call the next day at (8882-4158 Loc. 1130 or direct line 888-20870) to ensure payment of your fine.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non compliance to the law may lead to fines and penalties listed above, but in case of failure to settle fines or penalties, the individual may face escalated legal action and further penalties. Non-compliance with settlement notices, on the other hand, may result in the escalation of cases to Metropolitan Trial Courts, where legal proceedings will ensue. Ignoring court subpoenas can result in warrants of arrest and involvement of law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Summary
The MMDA Anti-Littering Law plays a vital role in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in Metro Manila. By understanding its provisions, settling violations promptly, and cooperating with enforcement efforts, residents can contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment for all. Let’s work together to keep our streets and public spaces clean and enjoyable for generations to come.
Contact Information
For questions, concerns, and assistance regarding the Anti-Littering Law, individuals may reach out to the MMDA Health and Sanitation Services Coordination and Assistance Division through the following contact information.
Health and Sanitation Services Coordination and Assistance Division
Trunk line: (02) 8882-4150 to 77 Local 1130
Direct line: 8882-0870