Unauthorized removal of recyclable materials

Unauthorized removal of recyclable materials "I have been very diligent in segregating our household wastes ever since it was required by our town. The recyclable items, however, have always been gathered and collected by our neighbor for his own personal business. I am contemplating filing a case against him. Did he violate any law for doing such?JadenDear Jaden,For your information, the law that addresses your situation is Section 48 (7) of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which states that:""Section 48. Prohibited Acts - The following acts are prohibited: xxx "" (7) Unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for collection by authorized personsxxx.""Relatedly, the same law provides a penalty for violation of the same, viz: ""Section 49. Fines and Penalties –""(c) Any person who violates Sec. 48, pars. (4), (5), (6) and (7) shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) but not more than Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than fifteen (15) day but to not more than six (6) months, or both"" It is clear from the cited provision that the gathering or collecting of recyclable materials by an unauthorized person is illegal and may subject the offender to a penalty of imprisonment or fine or both, depending on the discretion of the court. In your situation, if your neighbor is unauthorized in gathering the recyclable items, then he may be held liable for doing the same pursuant to the aforementioned law.We hope we were able to answer your queries. Please be reminded that this advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated. Editor's note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney's Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/