Mayor orders BCPO, POSD to intensify campaign vs chewing, spitting of “moma”

BAGUIO CITY  –  No chewing and spitting of betel quid or “moma” in plain view in public places.

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong ordered the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) to intensify the campaign against chewing and spitting of moma in public places to ensure public health and safety amidst the ongoing Coronavirus disease pandemic.

City Ordinance Numbered 35-2020 prohibits the chewing and spitting of moma in plain view in public  places; when inside  a public utility vehicle whether moving or stationary or while waiting for passengers;  and, while inside a private vehicle whether moving or stationary or while the vehicle is waiting in public place or road without required spittoon and in plain view.

The ordinance also prohibits accommodation establishments from allowing or tolerating the chewing or spiting of moma whether tourism-accredited or not.

Likewise prohibited are the following: throwing, dumping or leaving of used spittoon in public places, roads, streets, alleys, lagoons, rivers, canals and the like except in authorized places; and, emptying, draining or scattering the spittle in or contents of the spittoon in public places, roads, streets, alleys, lagoons, rivers, canals and the like except in the garbage pit.

Selling of moma to minors is prohibited per Section 4 of the said City Ordinance.

Meanwhile, chewing or spitting of moma in plain view in public places during indigenous people’s gathering are given consideration, provided that cleanliness and sanitation are maintained particularly: no chewing of moma without the required spittoon; no emptying, draining or scattering of spittle or contents of the spittoon; and, no throwing, dumping or leaving of used spittoon in the venue of the gathering except in authorized place.

Any person or entity violating the city ordinance shall pay fees as follows: First offense – P500 or four hours of community service; Second offense – P1,000 or six hours of community service; and Third offense – P2,000 or eight hours of community service or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or both at the discretion of the court, suspension or revocation of business license or permit in case of a business entity or establishment, if applicable.

Violators will be issued citation ticket/s which shall be paid at the City Treasury Office within five working days from issuance, or render community service.  – Jessa P. Samidan