The law is fair, but are its enforcers fair?
The law stands as a beacon of fairness designed to be followed by all.
Meanwhile, its enforcers stand as pillars in society, meant to set an example to its constituents.
Thus, it is disconcerting to observe them turning a blind eye when dealing with influential people attempting to bend the law or exploit it for their own benefit.
The inconsistency in law enforcement casts doubt on its integrity and raises concerns about whether it truly applies to everyone, regardless of wealth or status.
This was evident in a recent occurrence in the city of Tacloban, amidst its preparations for the fast approaching fiesta celebration.
Against Ordinance
Looking up at the streets of Tacloban, colorful buntings or banderitas fill your view, creating a festive scene.
Despite being a familiar sight, as citizens are accustomed to seeing colorful banderitas around the city whenever the fiesta approaches, they still can't help but raise an eyebrow.
Following City Ordinance No. 2023-15-06, single-use plastics, including banderitas used for fiesta celebrations, are now banned in Tacloban City.
“Dire gad udog hiya big deal kay marisyo man liwat kitaon it may karaykaray ha igbaw kay patron man gud. Pero amo ito, tungod na mayda naman balaod na gin didiri na an pag gamit hito na mga plastic, tapos kami gehapon, hi ako may tindahan man ako, paper bag na an amon gin gagamit ngan mga eco bag, amo bagat dire la maupay nga kami na effort kami pag sunod gud hito na balaod kay nasang-ayon man gehap kami tapos an hira lugod bagat waray la dre nasunod,” Jane, a store owner stated.
Violators Fined
The ban took effect on January 1, in accordance with the Plastic and Styrofoam Packaging Regulation Ordinance signed by Mayor Alfred Romualdez in 2023.
It aims to address the city’s garbage problem and promote the use of indigenous or reusable bags, potentially creating job opportunities for the residents.
Violators of the ordinance face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 for establishments, along with the cancellation of their business permits.
For the public, imprisonment of at least six months is possible, subject to the court's discretion.
Selective Rules
However, banderitas featuring business logos still adorn the streets of Tacloban City under the guise of festival attractions that everyone is just expected to appreciate.
“Rules are only for ordinary citizens,” commented one of the netizens who saw a post about the banderitas in Real Street, Tacloban City.
“Mag papaunahay na yana mga dagko na kompanya pamutang,” added another netizen on the same post.
Meanwhile, there are also those who don’t think too much about this situation, dismissing others as killjoys and insisting that the banderitas are a way to attract tourists.
This divide in public perception undoubtedly highlights the hypocrisy observed in this situation and the double standards that are reflected in the government as well.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonStories #NoToPlastics