Garganera : Fines, jail term await vandals in Cebu City

Any act that will deface private and public properties in Cebu City will soon be penalized with the passage of the anti-vandalism ordinance proposed by Councilor Joel Garganera. /CDN file photo

Any act to deface private and public properties in Cebu City will be penalized if the City Council approves the anti-vandalism ordinance proposed by Councilor Joel Garganera.
Fines ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 or imprisonment of three months to one year await violators of the ordinance.

Garganera said the Local Government Code (LGC) mandates local government units (LGUs) “to enact ordinances that will protect and maintain the sanitary condition of properties, both public and private.”

Having a clean and orderly environment is also expected to boost the city’s tourism efforts.

“As the promotion of tourism is considered as one of the main thrust of Cebu City, it is imperative to present a neat and presentable environment (that is) free from vandalism (to our visitors),” said the draft ordinance which Garganera presented to the council during their May 8 session.

Garganera’s proposal was referred to the committee on laws and ordinance headed by Councilor Sisinio Andales for review before this will be presented to Cebuanos in a public hearing.
It defines vandalism as “any acts that will damage or deface buildings, structures, road, trees, through writing, drawing, painting, marking or inscribing on any public or private property.”

Vandalism also includes the posting of bills, notices or advertising materials and the hanging, suspending, or display of any flag or banner without permission from the property owner.

Garganera wanted such acts penalized with a fine of P3,000 or imprisonment of three months for the first offense and fine of P4,000 or imprisonment of five to eight months for the second offense.

A bigger fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year awaits the third time violator.