MAKING PORTALOOS THE ‘NORM, PRACTICE’

In his proposed measure, Cebu City Councilor Alcover wants these portable facilities to be installed a week before and after All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days

Although it’s a regular part of the Cebu City Government’s preparations for All Souls’ and Saints’ Day, a councilor still wants to make the installation of portable toilets in cemeteries mandatory.

Opposition Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. said there is a need to pass an ordinance on the matter so it can be implemented regardless of who sits as mayor.

The City, through the Department of Public Services, installs the portable toilets in cemeteries every year.

But the councilor lamented that the facilities are not enough to accommodate the bulk of visitors.

“However, it has been contemplated to finally put this norm and practice into an ordinance in order for it to be implemented irrespective of the will of the local chief executive, and to put operational guidelines to all cemeteries,” reads a portion of the draft legislation.

In his proposed measure, Alcover wants all graveyard managements to install portable toilets a week before and after All Souls’ and Saints’ Day.

He also wants these to be placed in accessible areas, especially for the elderly and persons with disability.

If approved, those caught violating the measure will have to pay a fine of P3,000, while second-time offenders will have to pay P5,000. Third-time offenders will have to pay P5,000 and have their sanitation permits suspended by the City Government.

Alcover’s ordinance has been referred to the committee on laws during the regular session last April 17.