There is a world of difference between legislation and execution.
Davao City, through its Sangguniang Panlungsod, is probably among the tops if not the top of the list when it comes to local legislation. Davao’s ordinances on smoking ban, liquor ban, curfew hours, solid waste management, children, and women, among others are monumental and have become benchmarks for other local government units to replicate.
Name it, we hvae it. Local legislation has probably got everything practically covered it leaves the city council with literally less to think about. Perhaps, they would need to tinker on the old ones and tweak some. With the 19th Council starting out its new term, our lawmakers could be best looking at existing ordinances and see if they are indeed actually implemented on the ground.
Realizing this, City Council member Diosdado Mahipus is taking the cue to check if some of the ordinances focusing on environment are really implemented in communities. He said on Tuesday he will do the rounds in all barangays in the city to check if indeed these laws trickle down to the barangays.
Among the environment-centered ordinances worthy of following up are those that relate to solid waste management, segregation and material recovery facilities. Solid waste management remain an area the city needs to flex its resources and personnel. There is a lot to be desired in this aspect and if there is no one checking if these laws are executed to the letter, the aces up the sleeves of the city’s legislators are just that–mere aces. Those accolades the city has received will be rendered empty recognition.
Of course, the good councilor will have the luxury of availing the penal provisions of the ordinances if he finds barangays non-compliant with the laws.
