By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz— “It’s unfair and an insult to the entire members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Capiz.”
This was the reaction of Board Member Mateo Hachuela to the statement of Capiz Environment and Natural Resources Office(CaPENRO) head Atty. Emilyn Arboleda-Depon.
Hachuela particularly took exception to Depon’s allegations that he misled his fellow colleagues in approving an amendment to Provincial Ordinance No. 11 Series of 2017 which regulates quarry operation and small scale mining in the province.
He said Depon’s statement questioned the capacity of the board members to decide and make a stand on the ordinance.
The amendment exempted local government units from securing permits from CaPENRO if the sand and gravel will be used on public work projects like road rehabilitation.
Hachuela clarified that the approval of the amendment underwent proper procedure, and he was not the only one who decided but the Committees on Environment and Laws and Good Governance.
He also stressed that the board members are independent-minded and should be respected because they were elected by the people.
Depon earlier said she was saddened by the approval of the amendment by the provincial board which was in violation of Republic Act 7942 or “Philippine Mining Act of 1995”.
She wanted to invite the honorable board members of Capiz and review the law particularly the mining act and environment.
