PORAC, Pampanga — Expressing apologies and asking for understanding of those affected by the stoppage of quarry operations to highlight grievances against the local government, the Porac Sand and Gravel Quarry Association, Inc. (PSGQA) announced it will resume operations on Dec. 5.
“Ang tanging layunin namin ay matiyak na ang mga patakaran ay makatarungan at naaayon sa batas. Wala po laming hinihinging higit pa sa nararapat at legal,” read a PSGQA in social media posted on Nov. 29.
Protesting against what they called unjust taxes and random changes in policies and processes of the municipal government, 40 quarry operators and 850 haulers here shut down their quarry sites for two weeks starting Nov. 21.
The resumption of operations on Dec. 5, the group said, was arrived at among themselves, independent of any influence or instruction from any government official.
“Ginawa namin ito bilang tugon sa pangangailangan ng mga manggagawa at stakeholder na naapektuhan ng pansamantalang tigil-operasyon,” it said.
But they have not budged from their position, saying: “Hindi po kami sasang-ayon sa panukalang status quo.”
During the shutdown of operations, the operators said they engaged in legal consultations, gathered documents, and secured evidence necessary to assert their rights, implying the institution of legal actions against the Porac local government unit.
The implication further buttressed by the PSGQA assurance to the public that “Anumang maging desisyon ng Korte o ng kinauukulang mga ahensya ay buong galang naming tatangapin.” Punto News Team
