Sunday, January 20, 2008 Town opposes water application of individual
THE local government of Tuba is objecting to a water permit application, which it fears will deprive the municipality of its right over a source, which will be tapped to provide water for its constituents in the future.
In a petition filed before the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), the Tuba Municipal Government asked the agency not to grant the application filed by Omar Lorenzo over a water source in Barangay Poblacion, saying it will be tapped when the town's set up its own water district.
The opposition said several indigenous communities rely on this source for their irrigation and domestic use.
The disputed water source was issued in the name of Silvestre Lorenzo, but his son Omar, is seeking transfer of this in his name. Data on the volume of water tapped from this source was not readily available.
The local government however claimed the issuance of the permit to Silvestre Lorenzo did not undergo the legal process.
"Mr. Silvestre Lorenzo was granted a water permit without the required public consultation under section 26 of the Local Government Code and section 59 (Free Prior and Informed Consent) of Republic Act (RA) 8371 (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act)," the petition said. (JC)
