Suspension of 9 mayors over illegal dumps recalled

MANILA, Philippines — The orders of former ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales suspending nine mayors for one year in connection with the operation of open dumps in their respective areas have been recalled.

In separate orders signed on Sept. 10 and released yesterday, Ombudsman Samuel Martires said the recall of the suspension orders is part of the ongoing review of all environmental cases.

Martires directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government to submit a report within 10 days on the status of the implementation of the suspension orders for gross neglect of duty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and grave misconduct.

Among those whose suspension were recalled are Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro of Tabaco City, Cherilie Sampal of Polangui and the late Gerry Jaucian of Daraga, all in Albay.

Also recalled were the suspension orders on Flaviano Balgos Jr. of Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya; Emilia Lourdes Poblete of Silang, Cavite; Ma. Kristine dela Fuente of Abucay, Bataan; Norman Ong of Rizal, Palawan; Nathaniel Gertos of Bato, Leyte, and Mayor Melandres de Sagun  and Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan, who was shot dead last month, both of Trece Martires, Cavite.

Martires also recalled the suspension orders issued against Vice Mayors Nestor San Pablo of Tabaco, Albay and Roderick Rances of Bato, Leyte, 51 councilors and eight environmental officers.

Under Section 48 of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, no open dumps shall be established and operated nor any practice or disposal of solid waste by any person, including local government units, shall be allowed.

In March 2016, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered more than 100 mayors to submit their explanation on the existence of open dumps in their areas as well as the steps they have undertaken to close these down.

No legal provision was cited in the recall of the suspension orders.

In an interview with reporters, Martires said Congress should review RA 9003.

Not feasible

“I don’t want to rely on my own studies, but... the law is economically not feasible to be implemented especially by fifth and sixth class municipalities,” Martires said.

“To close an open dump, a five-hectare open dump, you need at least P13 million; P13 million is a lot of money insofar as fifth and sixth class municipalities are concerned,” he said.

Citing data provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Martires said around P50 million would be needed to put up and maintain a sanitary landfill.

“Where will the local government units, especially the fifth and sixth class municipalities get an additional P50 million?... We have to make further studies with respect to the Solid Waste Management (Act),” Martires said.