BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines – The provincial chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) found himself jobless for at least a month for alleged misconduct.
In an order, the Office of the Ombudsman has directed the DENR to implement the one-month suspension of forester Robert Apigo, provincial environment and natural resources officer, for allegedly attempting to facilitate the sale of forestland being occupied by residents in favor of a mining firm.
The Ombudsman concurred with the complainants’ argument that Apigo’s action constitutes a violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
The Ombudsman’s order, issued on May 24, took effect June 15. Apigo’s deputy, William Calderon, reportedly took over in an acting capacity while the latter is serving his one-month suspension without pay.
Benjamin Tumaliuan, DENR regional executive director, said he advised Apigo not to raise too much objections to the Ombudsman’s order.
“I advised him to serve his suspension. He can then file (a motion for reconsideration) or question the order later,” Tumaliuan said.
Apigo’s suspension stemmed from a 2006 case filed by the Didipio Earth-Savers Multi-purpose Association questioning the manner by which he conducted a hearing involving the group and representatives of the Australasian Philippine Mining Inc. (APMI).
APMI, now called OceanaGold Philippines, operates the government-sanctioned, multibillion-peso Didipio gold-copper project in Kasibu town.
The project was one of the two large-scale mining projects approved by the government following the enactment of the 1995 Mining Act.
The complainants accused Apigo of apparent bias toward the mining firm, and lacking authority to hear or facilitate meetings or administrative dialogue for such purpose under the Revised Forestry Code.
OceanaGold, an Australian-New Zealander company, is also locked up in a legal battle with the provincial government over the firm’s refusal to pay quarry fees for its mining operation.