Manila, Philippines –  Plan of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to revive the anti-littering law in the metropolis has earned the support of a Metro prelate.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said he is for the revival of the ordinance so as to help boost their advocacy for the environment.

“That will certainly help the advocacy for the environment,” he said.

Iñiguez earlier called on President Benigno Aquino III to lead a national campaign towards a litter-free Philippines.

“A litter-free Pilipinas bodes well for our people’s quest to enjoy a better quality of life in clean, healthy and safe communities and mirrors our adherence to the popular adage that cleanliness is next to godliness,’ which is well known among Filipinos,” he said.

The head of the Public Affairs Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued the appeal to Aquino, noting the shameful practice of some Filipinos of dropping litter anywhere.

“It’s important for P-Noy to be at the forefront of this campaign against littering, which is becoming a national embarrassment that has to be eliminated just like graft and corruption,” said Iñiguez.

“We need to do away with this destructive practice of littering that, sad to say, shows our lack of respect for the environment, our neighbors and all God’s works,” he added.

Earlier, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino revealed the agency's plan to revive MMDA Regulation No. 96-009, an ordinance prohibiting the dumping and throwing of garbage or any kind of waste in open or public places.

Under the MMDA’s anti-littering ordinance, violators would be issued Environmental Violation Receipts (EVRs) and would be made to pay fines of between P500 to P1,000. Those who cannot afford the fine are ordered to render community services. Violators with unsettled fines will be denied clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).