A local provincial board stood pat on its decision to declare La Trinidad's chicken dung ordinance invalid.

On the third and final reading, the Benguet Provincial Board approved the resolution canceling the municipal ordinance.

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Its move came even as La Trinidad Councilor Romeo Salda said the legislative body's time to act on the chicken dung ordinance has lapsed, giving the ordinance an automatic favorable review.

Salda earlier said the 30-day period was given to the Board, based on the Local Government Code, to act on municipal ordinances.

Board Member Juan Nazarro Jr., however, said the Board acted within the 30-day period.

He interpreted the 30-day period as the time the Board referred the ordinance to the concerned committee and the time it sought the opinion of the Provincial Legal Office (PLO).

Lawyer Delmar Carino, who represents chicken dung traders who are subject to an injunction suit, said the Board's decision is not yet final, saying La Trinidad has options "if it believes the Board decision is uncalled for."

"While we understand the Board's decision, we believe the Board would not be compromised by stating its recommendation to be included in the ordinance and not totally reject it," Carino said.

Traders began selling chicken dung at Shilan again when La Trinidad passed its chicken dung ordinance late last year.

"The chicken dung ordinance passed after a series of consultations. The Board appeared to have ignored an overwhelming clamor of the people to pass an ordinance to regulate the chicken dung trade," Carino said. (JC)