The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has had enough of clogged esteros and waterways.
MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos announced that will resume their “Estero Blitz” on Tue, Mar 1, its estero clearing drive in line with the enforcement of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act.
“This time, the MMDA has sought the assistance of the Office of the Ombudsman to hold barangay officials responsible for making sure that the esteros and waterways are kept clean,” reports Anna Liza Villas-Alavaren in Manila Bulletin.
Carlos lamented that the government’s resources go to waste if, after clearing trash-choked creeks, people simply continue dumping garbage indiscriminately.
Carlos was quoted as saying, “We will take pictures of the subject heavily-silted esteros or waterways before and after the cleaning them.”
Now, if the esteros and waterways become clogged with trash again, the MMDA will present photos to the Ombudsman anew. Then, it would be up to the Ombudsman to hold the barangay officials liable, citing that they may be cited for negligence.
