32 towns face raps for open dumpsites

CEBU, Philippines – The Global Legal Action on Climate Change-Cebu is suing 32 municipalities in the province after it found out that they violated Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2003.

During a press conference yesterday, representatives of the group as well as supporters and environmental lawyers said that they are taking legal action because this may be the only thing that could push those who are involved to make some changes.

Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of GLACC said that they have sent notices to the 32 municipalities but will be giving them 30 days to make corrections and proper actions on their waste disposal before they bring the matter to the court.

Ramos said that the Department of Environment and National Resources was their source that open dumpsites are still in operation and are still being maintained by various Local Government Units.

Aside from this, the groups found out that there are a lot of LGUs that are still not practicing segregation of wastes and are still burning solid waste in open areas.

Ramos explained that the notice was sent in pursuant to the citizen’s suit provision of the solid waste management act.

Those who were sent notices to sue were mayors of Aloguinsan, Argao, Asturias, Balamban, Barili, Bogo, Boljoon, Borbon, Carcar, Carmen, Cordova, Daanbantayan, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Madridejos, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Naga, Oslob, Pilar, Poro, Ronda, Samboan, San Fernando, Santander, San Remigio, Sta. Fe, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabuelan, and Tudela.

According to Ramos, the mayors shall have 30 days to make necessary action upon the receipt of the notice but after which period and no action has still been done, then the group will be forced to take “appropriate administrative, civil and criminal actions against all concerned, including the government officials and agencies who fail to exercise their power of supervision and visitorial power over the LGUs.”

The group also said that the provincial government will be questioned on the matter since the municipalities are under its supervision.

“Dapat ang among gibuhat, ila nasad untang gibuhat,” Ramos added.

However, GLACC stressed that even if the 30-day period was given to the municipalities, they are still willing to help out if the officials need help in their plans to correct the mistakes and the proper things to do so that problems on environmental damage could be further prevented.

Michael Yu, president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Cebu City Chapter, said that they have always supported the crusade of GLACC and will continue to give their help in environmental matters.

Fr. Tito Soquino, executive director of the Santo Niño de Cebu Social Development Foundation Inc. and one of the dubbed “diving priests”, said that they are totally in support of GLACC and will be doing their part also in advocating the protection of the environment. — AJ de la Torre/BRP (THE FREEMAN)