RIGHT after assuming the governorship at noon of June 30, 2019, Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia issued four memorandum circulars suspending all quarry permits, recalling Province-owned vehicles and stopping all construction work undertaken by the Province.
She also issued Executive Order 1 to immediately stop and permanently discontinue all works related to the P1.3-billion Provincial Resource Center.
Garcia also wants to stop all illegal quarry activities in the province.
Issued to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro), Memorandum Circular 4-2019 orders the immediate suspension of all sand and gravel permits issued by the Province pending review.
Garcia also ordered the immediate suspension of the processing of all applications for sand and gravel permit pending review.
She asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Cebu Provincial Police Office to help enforce the order, apprehend the violators and cause their prosecution.
The measure aims to stop the “unabated” illegal quarry activities and prevent the “further degradation” of the environment which may result in calamities, destruction of properties and loss of lives.
Sixty-eight permit holders stand to be affected.
According to Penro officer-in-charge Rodel Bontuyan, the Capitol has issued 68 sand and gravel permits, 15 quarry permits and 29 special permits to various quarry operators.
Through Memorandum Circular 2-2019, Garcia directed the Provincial General Services Office to immediately recall all Province-owned vehicles and equipment currently assigned through memorandum receipt to the different local government units and offices.
“In view thereof, I am requiring you to submit an inventory report indicating the specific vehicle, equipment and their present location not later than July 5, 2019,” wrote Garcia.
Another memorandum, this time issued to the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO), ordered the suspension of construction works and repairs.
Garcia said this would ensure that her administration’s programs, policies and directives on infrastructure and other engineering-related projects are fully observed.
Since the present administration wants to conduct an audit and comprehensive review of all Provincial Government projects, Garcia saw it fit to suspend any and all work-related projects undertaken by the engineering office.
She asked the PEO to notify all concerned contractors.
The directive will remain effective unless rescinded or revoked.
“Corollary to this directive, you are instructed to submit a detailed report of the PEO’s programs and activities, to include projects accomplished, continuing and for implementation, within 48 hours from your receipt of this memorandum. Period covered shall be calendar year 2013 to 2019,” her memo read.
A copy of the memo was received by the PEO at 2:15 p.m. Monday, July 1.
A fourth memorandum was issued but a copy was not available as of Monday afternoon.
She also met with Capitol department heads and officials of regional offices for a meeting. (RTF with SCG of SuperBalita Cebu)