Binghay defends Lamesa landfill

CEBU, Philippines - Balamban Mayor Ace Stefan Binghay denied allegations that the municipal government has violated the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act when it allowed the Lamesa Sanitary Landfill to operate.

At least three residents of the town have filed a complaint before the Cebu Provincial Board after the Municipal Council ratified the ordinance that requires all of the solid waste generators in the municipality to dispose of their non-biodegradable wastes exclusively at the Lamesa Sanitary Landfill.

Maximo Ripdos, Nestor Lumacang, and Robert Laborte, residents of Barangay Lamesa, claimed that the dumpsite is not a sanitary landfill but an open dump, and that it is operating without concrete Local Government Solid Waste Management Plan and Environmental Compliance Certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as required under the law.

The three residents also alleged that the town lacks the facilities and technologies to segregate hazardous and/or toxic and non-toxic substances.

The residents filed the complaint before the Provincial Board’s committee on environmental protection and natural resources chaired by Board Member Thadeo Ouano. The town’s ordinance, however, is still under review by the PB.

Binghay debunked their claims, saying that the town has complete documents to show the legality of the landfill’s operation. He showed to the media a copy of the ECC issued on February 15, 2011.

“Kompleto ang atong mga dokumento. Ambot lang pod basin naay nagpaluyo aning mga tawhana. Mao gyod siguro na, unsa pa may laing rason? Kalimot siguro sila nga opisyal sila sa lungsod sa una. Nga mi-approve sila sa resolution,” Binghay said, showing an attachment of more than 300 signatories in favor of the resolution.

He was referring to the barangay resolution that requested waste generators to utilize the Lamesa Landfill.

Binghay also said that the town has complete facilities. In fact, the dumpsite was reportedly inspected by experts from the Netherlands and was found to be ideal for landfill because it is covered by bentonite clay.

 â€œMalipay sad ta ana kay maka-income man ang lungsod hasta ang mga tawo. I don’t think nga naay tawo nga moreklamo pa gyod. Nganong moreklamo pa man nga naa may kita,” he said, adding that the landfill covers only 27, 354 square meters of land area.

The municipal government will be collecting a tipping fee.

Binghay vowed to file a criminal complaint for perjury against the three complainants. (FREEMAN)