Penalty hike for mining ordinance violators pushed

CEBU, Philippines - Stiffer penalties await for those persons who violate the provisions of the Cebu City Mining Ordinance as soon as the proposed amendment to the local measure is approved.

Councilor Nida Cabrera, chairperson of the committee on environment, has proposed to increase the penalties prescribed under the City Ordinance 2115 by at least 200-percent.

The existing ordinance only provides P1,000 to P3,000 fines for the first, second and third offenses, respectively.

Under the proposed amendment, Cabrera wanted to increase the fines to P3,000 for the first offense, P4,000 for the second and P5,000 for the third violation.

Cabrera explained that the implementation and enforcement of the punitive provisions of the ordinance can be served through enhanced coordination with the police.

“The protection of the City of Cebu and its inhabitants from the unlawful extraction of minerals can be obtained through the increase in the penalties or fines for violations of Ordinance No. 2115,” Cabrera added.

The ordinance provides that anybody who wishes to undertake sand and gravel extractions is required to secure a permit from the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board.

But the guidelines provided in the ordinance clearly stated that the extraction of sand and gravel from beaches and river banks, including extractions and destruction of stalactites and stalagmites from caves are strictly prohibited.

The public is advised to appear in the regular session of the Cebu City Council today where a public hearing for the proposed amendment will be held. 

The City Secretariat Office had sent invitations to several individuals for them to give their stand on the issue. FPL (FREEMAN)