Stricter penalties on littering are being pushed in transport hubs as authorities move to address rising waste problems in high-traffic areas, particularly along Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations.
Councilor Jose Abellanosa has filed an approved resolution urging the issuance of citation tickets to individuals who fail to use designated trash bins.
The measure targets growing waste concerns in areas that have seen increased passenger volume following changes in the city’s transport system.
It cited Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, which mandates local governments to promote public health, safety, and environmental protection.
The resolution noted that several BRT stations are currently being used as loading and unloading points for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and other public utility vehicles, resulting in heavier foot traffic and increased waste generation.
“Several Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations are currently being used as loading and unloading zones for public utility jeeps (PUJs) and public utility vehicles, resulting in increased foot traffic and waste generation in these locations,” the resolution stated.
It added that improper waste disposal contributes to environmental degradation, health risks, and non-compliance with Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
The measure directs the Cebu City Environmental Sanitation and Enforcement Team (CESET) to deploy personnel in affected BRT stations and issue citation tickets to violators.
Copies of the resolution have also been furnished to the Office of the City Mayor and other concerned agencies for implementation.
The proposal comes as Cebu City implements a shared corridor scheme along the BRT route, allowing jeepneys to use designated lanes in an effort to ease traffic congestion.
While the system has improved mobility in some areas, it has also concentrated commuter activity in station zones, creating new challenges in maintaining cleanliness and order. (LLP)
Photo by Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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