PJ to DENR: Probe dumping of coal ash

Cebu third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia has asked the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to look into the alleged illegal dumping of coal ash from the Toledo City Power Corporation that has threatened the health of the residents of barangay Tubod.

Garcia also questioned the alleged inaction of the Toledo City government to the complaints of the Tubod residents affected by the alleged illegal operation in their barangay.

Garcia said the barangay officials of Tubod have already passed a resolution last month requesting Mayor Arlene Zambo to look into the matter, but the alleged illegal operation still continues.

According to Garcia, the operation has no environmental compliance certificate from the DENR and yet the mayor allegedly tolerated the operation because the haulers are said to be her political allies.

The congressman said Zambo has been inconsistent in her stand to protect the environment because while she wanted to stop sand and gravel extractions in the city whose permittees are not her political allies, she is tolerating the dumping of coal ash in barangay Tubod by her supporters even if it has caused so much pollution.

In fact, Garcia said he already received reports about respiratory problems by some residents in the barangay. But he said he is still verifying if this has something to do with the illegal dumping of coal ash in the area.

Garcia explained that he is not against the operation of Toledo Power Corporation. In fact, he said he has been supporting the company, but added that it has to comply with the necessary requirements. — Fred P. Languido/LPM