MANILA, Philippines – Humiling si La Trinidad, Benguet Mayor Roderick Awingan sa konseho na i-update ang umiiral na anti-moma ordinance, na Municipal Ordinance No. 04, series of 2011, bilang bahagi ng hakbang para wakasan ang “unwelcome red spits.”
“While we recognize and respect moma (betel nut chewing) as a deeply rooted cultural tradition in the Cordillera, the rising concerns regarding public health, environmental sanitation and the exposure of our youth to early addiction requires more stringent regulation,” sinabi ni Awingan.
Aniya, dapat na isama sa pagbabawal sa pagnguya ng moma at pagdura nito ang “all public workplaces, healthcare facilities, public vehicles (such as taxis, buses, tricycles and jeepneys) and public spaces (such as parks, plazas and commercial walkways).”
Hindi rin dapat payagan ang mga nagbebenta ng moma at iba pang produkto katulad ng bua, gawed, lime at tobacco sa 100-meter radius ng mga paaralan, palaruan at government facilities.
Dapat din na magkaroon ng “absolute prohibition” sa pagbebenta ng moma at mga ingredients nito sa mga menor de edad.
Nais ipasama sa penalty sa paglabag sa mga probisyon ng ordinansa ang mandatory community service at mas mataas na multa sa mga paulit-ulit na lalabag dito.
“They will go a long way in preventing the unsightly staining of our public walls and roads, reducing health risks associated with betel nut chewing, and keeping our school environments clean and healthy,” ayon pa kay Awingan. RNT/JGC
