QUEZON CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urges local government units (LGUs) to promote the ‘Disiplina Muna’ National Advocacy Campaign to increase the consciousness among Filipinos of their critical role and responsibility in sustainable development and maintenance of law and order as a shared responsibility.
DILG Spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan E. Malaya said the ‘Disiplina Muna’ campaign is initiated by the DILG but is an “open source’ and may be adopted by all organizations and is a whole-of-nation effort across the national and local governments, private sector, civil society, and the media.
During its launching with the City Government of Manila, Malaya stressed ‘Disiplina Muna’ campaign’s aim to re-build the culture of discipline among Filipinos, especially the youth, as a means of fostering people’s participation which is one of the tenets of good governance.
Malaya also called on LGUs to strictly enforce their respective ordinances against vandalism after the recent incident of vandalism on the walls of the Lagusnilad underpass in the City of Manila.
“Nakakahiya ang ginawang pambababoy sa Lagusnilad pagkatapos itong linisin at ayusin ng Manila City Government. LGUs should, therefore, see to it that they strictly enforce their laws on vandalism so that vandals will face the consequences of their actions,” said.
He enjoins LGUs to revisit and ensure the implementation of their ordinances sanctioning vandalism and to make use of their closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in identifying and catching vandals.
He also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to apprehend those found violating laws and ordinances.
Malaya says that vandalism is a form of malicious mischief under Article 327 of the Revised Penal Code that includes the act of causing damage to property or any other thing used in common by the public.
He points out that there are many ways of expressing our views on social concerns and that should not include dirtying up public places or properties.
“While we respect the rights of these organizations to express their views and opinion, that right is not absolute. Ang karapatan ay may hangganan at kaakibat na responsibilidad. ‘Di na nga kayo nakatulong, ‘wag na sanang mamerwisyo pa ng iba,” he said.
“With the advent of social media, vandalisms like this have directed attention to the obnoxiousness of their method rather than the meaning of their message,” he added.
He urges these organizations to instead focus their energies to cleaning up their barangay, Manila Bay Clean Up, anti-smoking campaign and other worthwhile activities rather than doing vandalism that actually helps no one.
Malaya laments that the government builds, repairs, and does reforms but there are some who willfully and maliciously cause destruction.
“Disiplina muna bago po tayo magreklamo at magprotesta. Ang pagbabago’y nagsisimula sa sarili,” he said.
“Change cannot be realized by the government alone. Tulad na lang ng bandalismo. Hindi biro ang pagpapapintura at pagsasaayos ng mga public walls and properties. Samantalang sa ilang segundo lamang ay napakadali ang pagsira nito ng mga nagbabandalismo. Sayang ang pondong puwede sanang ilaan sa iba pang proyektong makapagpapabuti sa buhay ng nakakarami,” Malaya said. (PIA-NCR/DILG)
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