CEBU City, Philippines — In a bold move towards environmental sustainability, Cebu City is ramping up its enforcement of environmental ordinances. The city’s push aims to enhance clarity around regulations and address public concerns about enforcement practices.
During a recent segment on Sugboanon Channel, Cebu City’s Chief of Environmental Law, Lawyer Klive Eric Ravanes, alongside IEC Coordinator Carlos Seven Jr., discussed key ordinances and their recent updates. This discussion focused on three major ordinances impacting daily life in Cebu City.
1. Anti-Littering Ordinance (CO 1361)
The Anti-Littering Ordinance, CO 1361, is a central part of the city’s environmental strategy. It has recorded 1,706 violations in the first half of 2024 alone. This ordinance imposes fines starting at PHP 1,000 for first-time offenders, which can escalate up to PHP 5,000 for repeated violations. Importantly, the ordinance also provides options for compromises, potentially reducing the financial burden on offenders.
2. Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance (CO 2241)
Another significant ordinance, CO 2241, addresses smoking in public areas. This ordinance reported 1,755 violations in the same period, with fines beginning at PHP 3,000. Smoking is banned in public spaces such as schools, parks, and hospitals, and all businesses must prominently display “No Smoking” signs. The enforcement of this ordinance aims to protect public health and maintain clean air in public areas.
3. Plastic Bag Ban (CO 2343)
CO 2343, which prohibits the use of plastic bags on specific days, has led to 317 violations, each resulting in a PHP 5,000 fine. This measure targets the reduction of plastic waste, which is a significant environmental concern.
Enforcement and Penalties
The enforcement of these ordinances is managed by the Cebu Environmental Sanitation and Enforcement Team (CESET). This team is responsible for issuing citation tickets to violators. When a citation is contested, the Cebu City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) conducts a thorough investigation before any penalties are finalized. Offenders are required to settle their fines within seven days or face court proceedings. Alternatively, violators can opt for community service at CCENRO’s nursery in Kalunasan.
Challenges and Updates
A significant issue highlighted by Ravanes is the outdated format of citation tickets, which has led to confusion and complaints among the public. In response, there are ongoing efforts to modernize these tickets to improve clarity and compliance. Additionally, public education campaigns are being ramped up to increase awareness of current regulations.
Ravanes acknowledges that despite these efforts, there are still complaints from the public, largely due to outdated ticket formats and a general lack of awareness about the regulations. To address these issues, CCENRO is focusing on both updating enforcement tools and enhancing public education about environmental laws.
Future Directions
The city’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its strategic enforcement measures and the ongoing efforts to improve public compliance. By addressing the challenges associated with outdated enforcement tools and enhancing public awareness, Cebu City aims to foster a cleaner, healthier environment.
In summary, Cebu City’s proactive approach in reinforcing its environmental ordinances demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. The city’s efforts to refine enforcement practices and educate the public are crucial steps towards achieving long-term environmental goals.
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