MALOLOS CITY – Local government officials in Bulacan may find themselves facing a “citizens’ suit” for failing to close open dumps or controlled dumpsites as mandated by the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
This, as Bangon Kalikasan, an environmental group, together with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, joined forces to study what moves they are going to take against the local officials.
So far, Joey Papa, executive director of Bangon Kalikasan, said only Guiguinto town has complied with Republic Act 9003.
Under RA 9003, open dumps should have been closed by February 2004, and controlled dumpsites, by February 2006. – Dino Balabo