City of San Fernando, Pampanga — The local government here disclosed on Wednesday that the provincial board of the province is now keeping tight monitoring on industrial parks and warehouses in Pampanga following the proposal of Ordinance 34.

The move by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is to ensure that these industrial parks and warehouses follow the existing laws set by the government, adding that these establishments should follow the regulations of the local governments and law enforcement agencies.

During the first hearing on the proposed ordinance, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan aims to strengthen the regulations in the establishment, leases and operations of industrial parks and warehouses within the province.

According to 3rd District Board Member Ananias Canlas Jr. — the author of the ordinance — these facilities should be exclusively used for the declared purposes in business permits.

"The board wants to strengthen the mandate of local government units to enforce laws pertaining to environmental protection, occupational safety and health standards and other existing laws. We don't want these to be used for illegal drug trade, smuggling, human trafficking and other illicit activities," Canlas said.

The proposed ordinance is prompted by the numerous complaints to the provincial government regarding the operations of some heavy industries and smelting plants.

Canlas also said that the urgency for stronger regulatory functions became more necessary after the controlled delivery operation of 530 kilograms or P3.2 billion worth of suspected shabu from the Bureau of Customs' Port of Subic which ended up in Barangay San Jose Malino in Mexico town last 24 September.

The controlled delivery, tailed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and National Bureau of Investigation, led to a warehouse supposedly constructed and owned by Empire 999 Realty Corp., which was not yet issued a business permit.

With this, Vice Governor Lilia Pineda warned local officials to be vigilant and diligent in the performance of their duties.