Ombudsman probes local execs over illegal dumps

MANILA, Philippines – Around 600 local government officials face investigation over illegal dumps.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera, who heads the environmental ombudsman team, yesterday received some 50 complaints filed by environmental group EcoWaste Coalition led by Romeo Hidalgo.

The group said mayors, vice mayors and local council members have conspired  to commit violations of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act in their respective jurisdictions.

The law prohibits the establishment or operation of open dumps, including the disposal  of solid waste by local government units (LGUs) or any person.

In 2013, the environmental ombudsman in collaboration with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), launched a campaign to increase awareness of and promote compliance with RA 9003.

The EMB has identified and submitted a list of 350 local governments with recurring and blatant violations concerning open dumps to the ombudsman.

Sen. Loren Legarda, principal author of RA 9003, reiterated her call for local governments to implement the law.

“It is unfortunate that complaints have to be filed against local government officials for non-compliance with a law that was passed 15 years ago,” Legarda said.

“There are several LGUs that have effectively and efficiently complied with the law. The fact that there are compliant LGUs only means that it is doable...There is no reason why other LGUs could not follow suit,” she added.

Legarda said this year’s national budget provides funds for programs to help LGUs comply with the law to ensure safe, clean, disaster-resilient and sustainable communities. – Marvin Sy