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 while illegally dumping construction debris in the Bredco area.
Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered an investigation to identify the owner of the truck following receipt of a video clip showing four men dumping construction waste in the area.
The owner later met with CLO and BENRO officials, apologized, and admitted instructing his workers to dump the debris in the area.
CLO spokesperson, Atty. Vanessa Encabo, said the act violated City Ordinance 596 and Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
Under the ordinance, dumping construction waste in unauthorized areas is prohibited and punishable with 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,” Encabo stressed in a city press release May 11.
The city also reminded contractors, truck owners, and residents to coordinate with BENRO for proper waste disposal.
“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. ||
