The City Legal Office (CLO) and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) have penalized the owner of a truck caught in a video, illegally dumping construction debris in the BREDCO area, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
A video sent to Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya shows four men dumping construction waste in the area.
Gasataya immediately ordered an investigation, which led Police Station 2 to identify the truck owner.
The owner later met with CLO and BENRO officials, apologized, and admitted instructing his workers to dump the debris in the area.
According to CLO spokesperson Vanessa Encabo, the act violated City Ordinance No. 596 and Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
Under the ordinance, dumping construction waste in unauthorized areas is prohibited and punishable by a P2,500 fine or five days of community service.
The violator agreed to pay the P2,500 fine plus an additional P270 fee based on the truck’s carrying capacity of 2.7 cubic meters. He was also ordered to remove the dumped debris.
“The City of Bacolod, under the administration of Mayor Greg, remains firm in ensuring that laws and city ordinances are properly enforced, especially those related to environmental protection,” she stressed.
The city also reminded contractors, truck owners, and residents to coordinate with BENRO for proper waste disposal and use authorized disposal sites.
“He (violator) even claimed he wasn’t aware of the measure, but I told him that ignorance of the law does not relieve him of its penalties,” added Encabo.
Meanwhile, CLO and BENRO plan to strengthen their information campaign to help residents better understand environmental laws and waste management regulations.*
