Talisay VM contends: Trash deal w/ Rama ‘lacks legal support’

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante yesterday clarified that his opposition on Cebu City's proposal to dump its trash in Talisay City in exchange for tipping fees was anchored on the lack of formality and legality.

Villarante, a lawyer and Talisay City Council's presiding officer, said since the arrangement involves two local government units, the procedure of consultation should be followed.

He said a written agreement that details how long the landfill will be used should also be executed.

"(Mayor Johnny De los Reyes) has no authority to allow Cebu City to dump their garbage in Talisay. JVR should seek first a resolution authorizing him to enter into contract with Cebu City," Villarante said.

Cebu City earlier expressed its intention to use Talisay's dumpsite in Barangay Tapul following the closure of the bigger city's sanitary landfill in Barangay Inayawan.

Apparently, De los Reyes and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama had a talk earlier, with De los Reyes confirming to The Freeman that he indeed acceded to the request of Rama in a verbal confirmation.

The council was not aware of the agreement, but Villarante said if it was true, it was something that should not have been made just between the two chief executives.

"The act of JVR of allowing Cebu City to dump garbage in Talisay is blatantly illegal sans authority from the council," he added.

Talisay City Councilor Richard Francis Aznar and Councilor Valeriano Ylanan both agreed that the matter should be deliberated at the council, citing a provision on the Local Government Code.

"I think the council needs to be consulted and the matter should be discussed this coming Tuesday's council session," said Ylanan, who is an ally of De los Reyes.

Aznar, however, clarified that Talisay City is willing to help its neighbors, especially Cebu City.

"It is on the record, I personally, am not against Cebu City dumping their garbage in Talisay City pero kinahanglan dili lang nato dali-dalion ang pag-desisyon kay basin unya magka-problema na unya pud ta sa atong kaugalingong basura," Aznar said.

According to Aznar, the barangays need to be consulted as well, especially the residents in Barangays Maghaway and Tapul because they will be the first ones to be affected.

Aznar is particularly worried about the deal's effect on the lifespan of the dumpsite.

Talisay City produces an average of six tons of waste a day, a volume that insignificant when compared to how much Cebu City produces.

Separately, Mayor De los Reyes said acceding to Cebu City's request does not mean that he bypassed the City Council.

"Ang among move ni Mayor Rama wala na'y question kay among gitan-aw ang kaayohan man sa katawhan. Kung magkasinabot na gyud ug mahapsay na ang tanan, we will propose this matter to the legislative department, for transparency. Siguro mao lang ni ang wala ma sabti sa City Council," De los Reyes pointed out.

In 2003, former Talisay City mayor Eduardo Gullas wrote to former mayor Tomas Osmeña to request that garbage from Talisay be dumped in Inayawan temporarily until such time the former could find its own site.

Osmeña then allowed Talisay to dump its garbage even without passing through the City Council, but this had caused a row with council, especially with members of his own party.

The Talisay City had been dumping its garbage in Barangay Biasong until it was able to find a new site  in Tapul in 2005.  (FREEMAN)