Anti-Moma Ordinance Approved

The Anti-Moma Ordinance authored by Councilor Joel Alangsab was approved by the City Council of Baguio during its third and final reading.

Anti-Moma Ordinance

This ordinance is entitled, “Regulating the chewing, spitting of moma or betel quid in public places, and selling of moma products to minors in the City of Baguio, imposing penalties for violations thereof and providing funds therefor and for other purposes.” 

What is Moma?

Also called Betel Quid, Moma is consisted of betel nut, slaked lime or “apog”, betel leaf (gaw-wed), and tobacco, pandan leaves, ginger and etc. can be included.

Public Places

List of public places stated in the ordinance but are not limited to:

• Schools
• Workplaces
• Government Facilities
• Establishments that provide food and drinks
• Accommodation
• Merchandise
• Professional Services
• Entertainment Establishments
• Outdoor Spaces
• Public Transport
• Terminals

Prohibited Acts

• Chewing or spitting betel quid inside a public utility vehicle whether moving or stationary.
• Chewing or spitting betel quid in plain view while inside a private place or on the road without the required spittoon or container.
• Leaving or throwing a used spittoon or draining its content in public places, canals, and rivers.
• Selling Moma to minors.

Penalties for Violators of Anti-Moma Ordinance

First Offense: Php 500.00 or 4 hours community service

Second Offense: Php 1,000.00 or 6 hours of community service

Third and Subsequent Offenses:  Php 2,000.00 or 8 hours of community service

Exemptions

During Indigenous People’s Gatherings and Cultural Gatherings in the city, chewing and spitting moma will not be prohibited. But, must observe the following:

• Every moma chewer attending the gathering uses a spittoon that is not transparent.
• Moma chewer should not empty, drain, or scatter the content of spittoon nor should not throw, dump, or leave their used spittoon in the venue of the gathering to maintain cleanliness

The ordinance will not prohibit moma chewers from chewing or spitting moma in their private house. 

Signages 

“No Chewing Moma and/or Spitting Moma” signage must be displayed on visible locations that can be seen in the public. Persons-in-charge is mandated to do it and non-compliant will be penalized.

Penalties for Non-Compliant Person-In-Charge

First Offense: Php 500.00 or 4 hours of community service.

Second Offense: Php 1,000.00 or 6 hours of community service.

Third and Subsequent Offenses:  Php 2,000.00 or 8 hours community service, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 3 months, or revocation of business permit (in the case of business owners). 

Task Force Duties

A task force will be formed and here are their duties:

• Receive, review and process reports and complaints
• Serve citations and notices
• File appropriate charges for violations under this Ordinance
• Attend regular Task Force meetings
• Deputize enforcers
• Conduct seminars and training

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