AS many people face this year with a big smile, others are bracing for bigger fights. Not mentioning the ongoing chaos among the Pampanga truckers’ association and their appeal not to implement the new ordinance regulating the sand and gravel business, another leader who might be on a hot seat is our friend Porac Mayor Roger Santos.
The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) led by furniture and golf magnate Ruperto Cruz and the Krusada Kontra Amoy are closely watching the mayor on his moves in relation to the continuing problem of piggery stench in Barangay Sta. Cruz and Manibaug.
Take note that last year, these groups already appealed for the relocation of some 17 piggeries in this part of the town to protect the life and health of residents living in the area.
And as the renewal of permits start at the municipal government, PGKM and KKA expect nothing else from Santos but to protect the public’s welfare by not issuing permits to these piggeries.
Talks have it that Santos is seriously considering it only with a little reservation because of the EMB approval on the operations of these piggeries. But as all battles between the good and evil and the fight between the minority and majority or the balance between private interest and public interest, there is only one logical move for Santos — do not issue permits no matter what as long as the people are complaining of the environmental pollution and health hazards.
If it is likewise true that the Sangguniang Bayan of Porac is already prepared to pass legislation declaring the piggery areas as residential areas, then it is a justice long delayed. But better late than never. If they can really implement this, the piggeries will have no other choice but to relocate.
Another call from the PGKM is the investigation of Porac piggeries for possible Reston-Ebola virus allegedly found in pigs earlier in Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan.
Cruz is now requesting the Department of Agriculture to conduct the same sampling in Porac if only to ensure that the pigs bred from here are safe for public consumption. Crus said the government could never be sure. With the amount of stench and effluents emitted by these piggeries and the lack of proper technology for waste treatment, there could be a possibility that such virus could be found somewhere.
With this appeal, the DA is now in on a bigger challenge along with Santos. A little advice to the mayor, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Being a professional doctor, Santos knows this too well.
The Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) led by furniture and golf magnate Ruperto Cruz and the Krusada Kontra Amoy are closely watching the mayor on his moves in relation to the continuing problem of piggery stench in Barangay Sta. Cruz and Manibaug.
Take note that last year, these groups already appealed for the relocation of some 17 piggeries in this part of the town to protect the life and health of residents living in the area.
And as the renewal of permits start at the municipal government, PGKM and KKA expect nothing else from Santos but to protect the public’s welfare by not issuing permits to these piggeries.
Talks have it that Santos is seriously considering it only with a little reservation because of the EMB approval on the operations of these piggeries. But as all battles between the good and evil and the fight between the minority and majority or the balance between private interest and public interest, there is only one logical move for Santos — do not issue permits no matter what as long as the people are complaining of the environmental pollution and health hazards.
If it is likewise true that the Sangguniang Bayan of Porac is already prepared to pass legislation declaring the piggery areas as residential areas, then it is a justice long delayed. But better late than never. If they can really implement this, the piggeries will have no other choice but to relocate.
Another call from the PGKM is the investigation of Porac piggeries for possible Reston-Ebola virus allegedly found in pigs earlier in Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan.
Cruz is now requesting the Department of Agriculture to conduct the same sampling in Porac if only to ensure that the pigs bred from here are safe for public consumption. Crus said the government could never be sure. With the amount of stench and effluents emitted by these piggeries and the lack of proper technology for waste treatment, there could be a possibility that such virus could be found somewhere.
With this appeal, the DA is now in on a bigger challenge along with Santos. A little advice to the mayor, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Being a professional doctor, Santos knows this too well.
