By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Metro Manila Council President and San Juan City Mayor, Francis Zamora, is set to introduce a resolution urging local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region to ban residents from swimming in floodwaters.
This proposal comes in response to a surge in leptospirosis cases, particularly in Metro Manila. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals.
“Each respective LGU will have the authority to impose fines or any penalties they deem appropriate for violations of this prohibition. This empowers local leaders to enforce measures best suited to their communities’ needs and ensures a unified and effective approach to addressing this health crisis,” Zamora stated.
“In San Juan specifically, I will recommend and certify as urgent the enactment of this prohibition on swimming in floodwaters. Our goal is to promptly and effectively protect the health of our residents by implementing stringent measures to prevent further spread of this disease.”
For minors who violate the proposed ordinance, the LGUs will be authorized to hold parents or guardians primarily and jointly liable for the corresponding penalties, the Mayor added.
Meanwhile, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) remains overcrowded with leptospirosis patients, weeks after Typhoon Carina caused flooding in several areas nationwide.
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