EMB Regional Director Lormelyn Claudio said the 10 respondents included the municipal governments of Abucay and Mariveles in Bataan; Paombong and Hagonoy in Bulacan; Cuyapo, General Tinio, Jaen, Bongabon and San Isidro in Nueva Ecija, and; San Simon in Pampanga.
The Environmental Ombudsman under the Office of the Ombudsman has jurisdiction over violations of environmental laws involving public officials and employees.
Claudio said the 10 towns have failed to comply with the Solid Waste Management Compliance Program launched in April, 2013. The program was set up to monitor the local governments units’ compliance with Republic Act 9003 which made open dumpsites illegal.
“Aside from filing charges, we have implemented the forced closure of dumpsites in Mariveles, General Tinio, Jaen, and San Simon by securing the area to prevent further activities of dumping of wastes,” Claudio said.
She said the 10 towns had been repeatedly “directed to comply with RA 9003 down to the barangay level, ensure the operation of materials recovery facilities, and enact ordinances to compel residents to adhere to the law.”
