VICE Mayor Bernard Al-ag said the waste-to-energy (WTE) project of the Davao City Government went a thorough deliberation, as opposed to the claims of an environmental group.
No Burn Philippines (NBP), in a previous report, launched a postering campaign against WTE incinerator candidates nationwide.
NBP representative Lorenzo de Vera urged Dabawenyos to boycott legislators who supported the project.
But Al-ag said Tuesday, April 30, that the WTE project was in fact delayed in the City Council due to environmental implications it might cause once it is implemented.
"It is unfair to tell us na dili transparent. Tanang documents sa Sanggunian approved, tanang agreements sa pag-purchase sa property, all agreements between the National Government and the City Government were provided to the public," the vice mayor said right after Tuesday's (April 30) regular session at the City Council.
Earlier this year, Al-ag confirmed that the 10-hectare WTE project worth P2.5 billion in Biao Escuela, Tugbok District will start in the third quarter of 2019.
He said the funding of the project will be coming from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
At present, the project is now awaiting for the signatory agreement between the National Government through the Department of Finance and the local government, through Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, which according to Al-ag was already given the executory authority of the project.
He also contradicted the group's claims that the project is illegal, as it would violate the Clean Air Act.
"We raised this issue. Amo gistoryahan ang DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) about this. We studied the clean Air Act. Gisiguro namo na wala namo kana na-violate (We made sure it was not violated). DENR specifically states na pwede siya na project sa city," Al-ag said.
Meanwhile, he urged them to file necessary complaints if they find any violation on the project.
But he said the City Government stands firm on its decision of having the WTE project as a long-term solution to the solid waste problem.
"Five years nalang, di na nato magamit atong landfill (New Carmen Sanitary Landfill in Tugbok) (In five years, we will not be able to use the landfill). We need multiple strategy for a long-term solution. We see WTE as a sustainable solution sa problem," Al-ag said.
Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Sr., head of committee on energy and committee on environment and national resources, said the project is very ideal.
Although he was not around when the council voted for the project, he said he supported it for as long as it is in accordance with the country's environmental law.
He was also dismayed with the environmental group's call to boycott pro-WTE councilors.
"That's not fair, because they were part of the consultation process made by the executive department. Instead, they should suggest what is a better option," Mahipus said.