SEN. Loren Legarda yesterday called on the government to strictly implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, noting that the massive floods being experienced now were caused by human neglect of the environment.
In a message to the media, Legarda said the government should strictly impose on the people proper waste segregation, a ban on single-use plastic, and learn to dispose of their garbage properly.
“The waterways, canals, esteros, even rivers are stuck and full of garbage. That means people are not following. No discipline. Follow the law,” Legarda said.
She said tributaries have been blocked by the construction of houses, buildings, and infrastructure that add up to the clogging of the waterways heading to the bay area.
She said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), with the help of local government units, should clean up esteros, canals, and waterways to prevent future floods; while sea vessels docked must learn not to throw garbage into the sea.
