MMDA posts tally of warnings issued vs smokers

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has posted on its website a tally of the arrests conducted and warnings issued by MMDA personnel in the agency's campaign against littering and smoking in public places. On Wednesday, the MMDA website featured a tally of "anti-littering apprehensions" and "smokers given warnings." As of 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, the tally showed figures as of June 13 (Monday), with 48,178 apprehended for littering and 4,786 smokers given warnings. Last June 1, the MMDA started enforcing no-smoking laws in public places in Metro Manila. "Violators will be fined P500 on first offense while those who cannot afford to pay the fine are obliged to render an eight-hour community service," it said in an earlier news release. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino also batted for anti-littering ordinances in the 17 local government units covered by the MMDA. The MMDA has an anti-littering regulation implemented in major thoroughfares within Metro Manila. It penalizes violators with fines ranging from P500 to P1,000 or community service. - VVP, GMA News