Dumping of filling materials allowed

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes has allowed the dumping of filling materials at Sitio Kintolimbo in Barangay San Roque because it had an approval from the Special Economic Zone Board and the City Council.

This was contrary to the claim of Barangay San Roque Councilman Rogerico Lopernes that city administrator John Yre Delos Reyes gave a go signal for the dumping even without a council's approval.

"That is a complete lie and very misleading to the public," John Yre said as he defended his father, the mayor, contending that the previous City Council granted the application of Willy Te of WT Development, through Resolution No. 2012-093, for the dumping.

John Yre said it was former city administrator Ritchel Bacaltos and then mayor Socrates Fernandez who signed the approval, and that the SEZB endorsed the locational clearance for WT Development.

Residents in the area complained that the contractor had been dumping filling materials since late last year and that close to 50 families living in the area are now anxious of possible flooding due to rain, considering that the pile of filling materials is already high.   (FREEMAN)