Pelaez sues Radaza over waste segregation Radaza says it's another political trick

CEBU, Philippines - Efrain Pelaez Jr., who has previously filed charges against the Radazas, lodged another complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against Mayor Paz Radaza and other barangay officials.

This time, the businessman wants the government officials of Lapu-Lapu City to answer for their failure to implement Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Law.

“In the exercise of our constitutional right to life, health and a clean and healthful environment and participate in the decision-making process, complainant most respectfully demands the immediate and full implementation of RA 9003 as well as the Clean Water Act,” he said.

He attached in the complaint some photos supposedly showing that there is no clear segregation of thrash.

Aside from Radaza, other named respondents were Remegio Oyao of Agus; Ellias Berdin Jr., of Babag; Mario Inot of Bankal; Romulo Wagwag, of Baring; Lauro Sorono of Buaya; Edgardo Bensi of Calawisan; Nestor Paypa of Canjulao; Efren Apa of Caw-oy; Ranilo Abayan of Cawhagan; Romeo Matbagon of Caubian; Jose Dungog of Gun-ob; Ferdinand Cahilog of Ibo; Mateo Dungog of Looc; Evaristo Dihayco Sr., of Mactan; Joseph Pangatungan of Maribago; Lucrecia Amores of Marigondon; Jimmy Ybañez of Pajac; Leo Mercado of Pajo; Vergelio Casiao of Pangan-an; Allen Dimataga of Poblacion; Lourdes Ibag of Punta Engaño; Tanquilino Omolon of Pusok; Nelson Melancolico of Sabang; Braulio Inoc of Santa Rosa; Joselito Tibon of Subabasbas; Virgilio Dano of Talima; Johnita Amorin of Tingo; Melodina Segura of Tungasan and Cyrus Eyas of San Vicente.

Pelaez said his complaint started in 2007 when he called the attention of Lapu-Lapu City officials regarding the waste disposal system. He claimed that despite the millions allocated for the clean and green program, the problem of garbage is still unresolved.

“After more than a decade from the effectivity of RA 9003, respondents still did not or failed to implement it. Radaza does not deny that the City of Lapu-Lapu still operates a controlled dumpsite, which is no longer allowed, and thus, a gross violation of RA 9003,” the complaint reads.

Pelaez added that none of the barangays segregate waste materials.

He added that the filing of complaint is not politicking because he has been raising the issue since 2007.

Pelaez did not include barangay captain Isabelito Darnaylaeason.In a press statement, Mayor Radaza said this is a “political trick.”

“One month from now is the filing of the certificate of candidacy. On the eve of the launching of his candidacy for mayor in 2010, he used the same issue to prop up his campaign that eventually led to his defeat. Today, he is at it again, trying to make solid waste management an issue.This is a cheap political trick of someone who was defeated by the voters in the last election,” she stated.

She added that they strictly implement the solid waste management laws but Barangay Basak has failed to action their garbage problem.

In fact, she said it was the City Government of Lapu-Lapu that collects their garbage. She added she’s not saying that Lapu-Lapu City is super clean, but they made huge improvements in terms of solid waste.    - THE FREEMAN