THE Environmental Ombudsman is set to file cases against four local government units (LGUs) in the province of Iloilo and one in Aklan as part of the first batch of 50 LGUs to be charged for violation of environmental protection laws.
The Environmental Ombudsman is an extension of the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate and assess recalcitrant LGUs that failed to implement the law, particularly the Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2001.
In Iloilo City on Thursday, September 8, Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon lawyer Gerard Mosquera said they are set to file criminal and administrative charges against 600 government officials from 50 LGUs nationwide.
Mosquera said they are out to fully implement the laws on the environment and at the same time, reduce corruption at the LGU level.
Set to answer the charges are the initial LGUs in Panay Island, namely, the municipalities of Banate, Sara, Ajuy and Sta. Barbara in the province of Iloilo, and the municipality of Nabas in the province of Aklan.
The second batch of recalcitrant 100 LGUs with 1,200 local officials is lined up for filing of cases in relation to the maintenance of open dump sites despite a closure order from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Mosquera said the batches of violating officials are up to the fifth groups of LGUs that will face charges and eventual cases before the Sandiganbayan.