Friday, October 03, 2008 Lawyer: Coverage of City Environment Code questionable By Jay Dooma Balnig
FORMER Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter President, Hans Sayno, said the selective coverage in the implementation of the Iloilo City Environment Code of 2004 is questionable.
Sayno said partial implementation of law is questionable as the city ordinance must be implemented in the entire Iloilo City, not in a particular city district only.
To note, the City Government implemented the said law last September 29 in a dry-run scheme. The implementation is limited to Iloilo City's city proper area only.
As a result, several establishments and individuals were apprehended and issued by a citation ticket by the 16-man team created by the City Government to study the said partial implementation.
The Environment Code provides for the development, management and conservation of Iloilo City's environment and natural resources and integrates all laws and policies pertinent to it.
It addresses the issues on solid waste management and environmental protection and rehabilitation.
It also encourages mass participation in environment-friendly activities.
The ordinance aims the following:
* To achieve an improved quality of life for the Ilonggos as the overriding consideration in the utilization, management, development, conservation and protection of the urban environment and natural resources;
* Limit access and exploitation of Iloilo City's environment and natural resources for the exclusive use and enjoyment of Iloilo residents;
* Ensure the rational and sustainable development, management and conservation of Iloilo City's environment and natural resources through legislative measures and reforms that facilitate effective implementation of environmental and plans; and,
* Manage the urban environment in a manner consistent with the concept of integrated urban development appropriately supported by research, technical services and guidance provided by the City Government and its private sector partners.
Among others, the ordinance provides for garbage collection and disposal fees to pay the costs of preparing, adopting and implementing a solid waste management plan or program of Iloilo City.
Sayno added that like a national law, the city ordinance, should be implemented- even if it's mere experimentation, in all parts of the Iloilo City. The Environment Code of 2004 was sponsored by then councilor and now Judge Ma. Rita Bascos-Sarabia.
The said partial implementation draws massive negative reaction from the local residents as the people see the effect of the said "questionable" implementation.
Sayno also cited the "defect" of implementation as legislators usually conducted experimentation and hearing prior to its passage of ordinance.
The city passed the said ordinance last 2004 and after almost four years of enactment, the city is still conducting dry-run on the implementation of the said ordinance.
