The Metro Manila Council (MMC) is set to examine a proposal to establish a single ticketing system for littering and illegal dumping across the National Capital Region.
Las Piñas Rep. Mark Santos introduced the initiative during an MMC meeting led by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) at its headquarters in Pasig City on Tuesday. Santos stressed that a unified approach is vital because waste easily flows beyond municipal borders.
“Garbage thrown in one city can eventually find its way into the drainage systems of creeks, rivers, and waterways that cross into neighboring communities,” Santos said, noting that the resulting floods harm surrounding areas regardless of where the trash originated.
Santos recommended establishing regional minimum standards for littering and illegal dumping while respecting the authority of local government units to enforce their own ordinances. His proposal encompasses standardized fines, optimized waste collection, enhanced recycling and segregation, expanded waste facilities, public education campaigns, and properly trained, deputized enforcement units to cite violators.
MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, along with MMDA Chairman Don Artes, expressed strong support for reviewing the plan. Zamora noted that the concept aligns with an MMC resolution passed last year that capped illegal dumping penalties in Metro Manila at P5,000.
“The Metropolitan Council is of course very much open to discussing your proposal as a group, as a council, with the objective, of course, being able to implement better solid waste management programs,” Zamora said.
Artes highlighted the urgency of the proposal, pointing to recent trash accumulations in Parañaque City following heavy monsoon rains.
“Although we honestly believe that the garbage does not come from Parañaque, maybe we should start seriously discussing stricter measures against illegal dumping. And let’s establish a common standard here in Metro Manila,” Artes said.
The MMC plans to create a technical working group to outline the specific provisions and operational details of the proposed regional ticketing system.