PB member Shimura defends his mother

CEBU, Philippines - Contrary to the complaint against Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot, Provincial Board member Sun Shimura said his mother did the right thing when she ordered for the temporary closure of around 25 cemeteries in Daanbantayan.

Shimura said he is speaking not as Loot’s son but as a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan where the mayor is now facing an administrative investigation.

He cited Section 6.1 of the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines which stated that Local Government Units shall initiate and recommend for the closure of the already full and congested cemetery that poses imminent danger to public health.

In a letter sent to Loot dated October 6, 2010, Department of Health-7 regional director Susana Madarieta requested the mayor to implement the said provision as “corrective measures of the foregoing problems existing in the cemeteries”.

In the letter, Madarieta said they found out during an inspection in Daanbantayan that there are lots which are not legally authorized but are used as burial grounds even without DOH clearance as mandated by the Sanitation Code.

Shimura said the same law states that it is the responsibility of local governments to close cemeteries under their jurisdiction subject to approval of the DOH regional director.

“She’s (Mayor Loot) right man pud. Unya temporary closure ra man sad nang gi-order ni Mayor Loot,” the PB member said. Loot gave the “illegal” cemetery owners 90 days starting October 13, 2011, to comply with the requirements.

Shimura further disclosed that the four priests, including one who complained against the mayor, said they are withdrawing their complaint.

He said the priests had a talk with Mayor Loot the other day.

Cebu Provincial Legal Officer Marino Martinquilla, for his part, said what Loot did was not in accordance with law.

“Kun nagtuo siya na sakto iyang gibuhat, iya lang atubangon ang kaso nga gipasaka sa mga complainants batok niya,” Martinquilla said.

The complainants manifested their intent to file appropriate actions against the officials of Daanbantayan during a meeting with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to whom they aired their complaint.

The group claimed that the closure is illegal, immoral and insensitive to the sentiments, beliefs and feelings of the faithful in the municipality.  (FREEMAN)