DENR readies raps vs former Erap adviser

Acting Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Joemari Gerochi ordered yesterday the immediate filing of criminal charges against a former adviser of ousted President Joseph Estrada for the importation of at least 39 drums of toxic chemicals.

Gerochi directed DENR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Roseller dela Peña to ready the appropriate charges against Lepeng Wee, former presidential adviser of Estrada on Mindanao economic affairs, after the DENR’s investigating team found out that Wee owned the 39 drums of imported toxic chemicals.

Gerochi said that Wee will be charged with violation of Republic Act 6969 or the Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.

"Based on the report of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) probe team, Lepeng Wee’s name appears in the bills of lading as both shipper and consignee of the 39 drums of toxic chemicals," Gerochi said.

Gerochi said that this is "prima facie evidence" to prosecute Wee and his company for violating RA 6969 and DENR Administrative Order 29.

Gerochi said they would also charge Ang Beng Ean and Tan Ngee Foo, Malaysian nationals who owned and imported the questionable chemicals, and one Nancy Lim, who is connected with Panda Foam Zamboanga.

According to Gerochi, the chemicals are not included in the Philippine inventory of chemicals and chemical substances and there were no chemical abstract registry numbers in the labeling and no other international identifier for the products.

"The questionable shipment did not have a pre-manufacture and pre-importation notification," Gerochi said.

He said Wee and his cohorts are now facing a possible imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of P500,000 as well as possible deportation and will be barred from entering the country after serving their sentence.

The 39 drums arrived in Zamboanga City on June 30, 2000 on board the MV Lady Mary Joy 2 from Sandakan, Malaysia.

Upon verification, the shipment manifested that it contained 39 drums of polymer issued by Aleson Shipping Lines Inc. to Wee.

Nineteen of the 39 drums were intercepted and confiscated on the same day by Task Force Aduana.

On the same day, 20 drums were recovered at 2C Lim Brothers Warehouse at Tumaga, Zamboanga City.