108 LGUs ordered to explain failure to submit solid waste management plans

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government ordered 108 local executives to explain why they should not be slapped with administrative penalties for their failure to submit 10-year solid waste management plans.

“We don’t want another case of Manila Bay. These local government units have, unfortunately, been accustomed to leniency. The Solid Waste Management Plan is a requirement of law, yet for many years they ignored it,” DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said.

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 mandates all provinces, cities and municipalities to prepare, submit and implement a plan for the safe and sanitary management of solid waste.

The 108 LGUs were directed to submit within 10 days from receipt of the orders a notarized explanation.

Seventy-eight of the LGU that will receive show cause orders are from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Five LGUs from MIMAROPA, eight from Bicol region, one from Western Visayas, and four each for Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas will also receive show cause orders.

DILG Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya said the department would not be releasing the names of these local executives.

“We are according these local chief executives due process. But once we have received their reply and validated their explanations, we will be releasing the names of those found to be negligent in performance of their functions,” he said.