La TRINIDAD, Benguet - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here has expressed its strong support to a resolution of the municipality of Tuba opposing a water permit application of a Taguig City-based company over Badiwan spring.
In its resolution of support, the SP found the reasons cited by the Tuba town council as meritorious and in order.
The municipal council resolution stated the water source applied by the Philippine Water Exploration and Development Corporation of Taguig City, was already applied for by the municipality of Tuba to serve its residents.
It added the applicant is from Taguig City with the purpose of developing the Badiwan spring as a commercial business, hence depriving the local residents from using the water source.
The council also cited Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People's Right Act, which recognizes the right of the indigenous people of Tuba of the use of the Badiwan spring as it is located within their ancestral domain.
The SP observed that it is the practice of some outside companies to surreptitiously apply water rights in the rivers of Tuba without consulting the local officials concerned and the affected residents.
The SP suggested that aside from their resolutions, the Tuba municipal officials should also seek the assistance of a legal office to file a formal opposition to the said water permit application. (Andrew Doga-ong)