MP execs prohibit betel nut spitting

by Juliet B. Saley

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- It had been a common observation in all municipalities of the province that roads, pathways, walkways and even buildings and vehicles have not been spared of reddish spittle of irresponsible people.

To address this problem, the SangguniangPanlalawigan here enacted an ordinance prohibiting the indiscriminate spitting of moma (betel nut) in public places or public conveyances within the province.

“While we respect the right of individuals to chew moma, it must be noted that the people have also the right to a clean and healthy environment,” the ordinance stated.

The SP required any person chewing moma to have a receptacle within to dispose his moma spittle and must be properly disposed or placed in a waste can or waste basket.

To protect its residents from the unsanitary and indiscriminate spitting of moma that pose threat to health and sanitation and the unpleasant sight of moma spittle along roads and other structures within the territorial boundaries of the province, this ordinance imposed a fine of P500 on any person violating the provisions of the ordinance.

However, this shall not be enforceable in municipalities in the province which already have ordinances that prohibit and penalize individuals spitting moma.