LGUs told: Enforce environmental laws or else

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a nationwide directive demanding that all local government units (LGUs) strictly comply with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) and the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (RA 9275).

In a statement, the EMB stressed that adherence to these environmental laws is mandatory, urgent, and non-negotiable as it warned that continued non-compliance, including the operation of open dumpsites, failure to implement waste segregation, and illegal discharge of untreated sewage, will result in immediate legal action.

Sanctions may include Notices of Violation, Cease and Desist Orders, and the filing of administrative or criminal charges against responsible local officials.

“The health of our communities and the integrity of our water bodies depend on the decisive action of our local leaders. We are moving beyond cooperation. We are enforcing the law,” said Assistant Secretary for Environment and concurrent EMB director Jacqueline A. Caancan.

She added that any LGU that allows open dumpsites, neglects mandatory segregation, or permits the direct discharge of sewage into rivers is in clear violation of national law and will be held fully accountable.

The EMB is directing LGUs to immediately fulfill their mandates under RA 9003 by implementing strict source segregation and separate collection of waste, establishing fully operational Materials Recovery Facilities in every village, and ensuring residual waste is disposed of only in accredited Sanitary Landfills.

Additionally, the prohibition on open dumping and open burning must be enforced.

Under RA 9275, LGUs are likewise required to formulate and enforce local ordinances regulating wastewater discharges. They must prohibit the release of untreated sewage into rivers, lakes and coastal waters, develop and implement comprehensive septage and sewerage management programs, and integrate water quality objectives into their local development plans.

The agency also stressed that failure to comply with mandated obligations, including the preparation, submission, and approval of 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans, will constitute grounds for sanctions and penalties.

To ensure enforcement, EMB Regional Offices have been directed to intensify field monitoring, validation, and enforcement operations, with non-compliant LGUs subject to immediate administrative action.

Caancan acknowledged LGUs that have demonstrated consistent compliance, commending them for working with the national government in protecting public health and promoting sustainable development.