Mayor Sitoy asked to explain lapses

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources found lapses in the floating ramp facility in Gilutongan Island in Cordova town.

A notice of Violation  dated November 14, 2014 was issued to Mayor Adelino Sitoy against the Floating Ramp and Eco-Tourism Structure Project operated by the municipality. The notice was signed by Environmental Management Bureau OIC regional director William Cuñado.

With this, Sitoy or any representative is required to attend a technical conference on November 27 at the EMB-7 office for the local government unit to explain its side.

The notice cited three violations of the Environmental Compliance Certificate specifically conditions 3, 8, and 14.

Condition number 3 required the submission of approved Work and Financial Program for the seedling production and tree planting activities within one month from receipt of the ECC.

Condition number 8 pertains to the Permit to Operate Air for Generator Set and Discharge Permit for wastewater generated.

Condition number 14 is the installation of a billboard at the project site as well as submission of accomplishment report of installation of billboard within 90 days from receipt of ECC.

The ECC was released on April 10, 2014.

Possible consequences of failure to meet with the ECC conditions, as provided by Section 9 of Presidential Decree 1586, include suspension or cancellation of the certificate, or payment of fine not exceeding P50,000 for every violation upon the discretion of the EMB.

The Freeman tried but failed to get in touch with Mayor Sitoy for comment.

The issue has already been raised at the Provincial Board by Sitoy’s son, Board Member Arleigh Sitoy.

The issue allegedly even started a conflict between the father and son after Mayor Sitoy expressed confusion on why his son had to raise the concern to the PB and not directly to him. 

Early this month, representatives from DENR and officers of a private group behind the floating restaurant in Gilutungan Island were invited by the PB to answer the alleged violations of the structure.

The younger Sitoy has questioned the presence of the floating restaurant near the marine sanctuary and wanted to ask if owners were able to get an ECC from DENR.

The group behind the construction of the floating restaurant did not show up during the PB session but a DENR representative confirmed that an ECC was issued.

But it was disclosed that the municipal government was made to pay P27,500 as a penalty since the DENR found out that the structure was already constructed prior to the issuance of the ECC. (FREEMAN)