Environmental Ombudsman orders probe of Laguna mayor

Certifying it to be "sufficient in form and substance," the Office of the Environmental Ombudsman has given way to the complaint against the mayor of Los Baños, Laguna by ordering a preliminary investigation into the charges.

Los Baños Mayor Caesar Perez is accused of violating Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act in a complaint filed against him by councilor Norvin Tamisin for allegedly allowing an open dumpsite to operate in the municipality.

In a fact-finding report dated July 13, environmental team investigator Virgilio Carreon Jr. recommended that the complaint against Perez be docketed as a criminal and administrative case.

According to Carreon, Tamisin filed the complaint on April 23 last year and it was endorsed by lawyer Bienvenido Somero Jr., director and deputy chairman of National Environmental Action Team of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

He said Tamisin accused Perez of maintaining an open dumpsite in Barangay Tumugan despite the provisions of RA 9003 prohibiting it.

Tamisin’s complaint got stalled for more than a year until the councilor went to the Office of the Ombudsman last June 15, saying that Perez allegedly continued to defy the provisions of RA 9003.

In response, Carreon asked Tamisin to submit another affidavit and evidence to substantiate his claims.

Last July 4, Tamisin forwarded to Carreon his sworn complaint and other documents relating to his allegations against Perez.

Carreon, along with Environmental Ombudsman Wilbert Candelaria, signed the fact-finding report and the recommendations contained therein.

Tamisin, who provided The STAR with a copy of the report, believes that his crusade against the alleged illegal waste disposal in his town is finally moving forward.

Londa Jimeno, president of the Philippine Bar Association (PBA) which is backing Tamisin’s efforts, said the preliminary investigation "will dig into the case and determine if there is probable cause."

"If probable cause is found, the case will go to court," she said.

Jimeno said the PBA will continue to assist Tamisin in his environmental crusade in terms of legal assistance.

Tamisin has expressed fear that the open dumpsite, located near a creek and within the Makiling forest reserve, might cause leachate and contaminate the town’s water sources as well as Laguna de Bay.

Perez welcomed the preliminary investigation which he said will give him a chance to dispute Tamisin’s allegations.

"Very good. Dun makakasagot kami against Tamisin’s baseless allegations. We will be able to present real evidence," he told The STAR.

Perez said he was disappointed that Tamisin has gone forum-shopping to air his accusations against him when he could have just asked the Sangguniang Bayan, of which he is a member, to call for an investigation.