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Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co speaks to members of the media during the launch of the Environment Task Force against Illegal E-Waste Imports to the Philippines at AMBAI Modern Tambayan in Quezon City on June 25. Co, along with other fellow environment advocates and leaders, called for banning electronic waste importation in the country. (Photo 1 by Sean Magbanua; Photo 2 anonymously sourced.)
Kabataan Partylist Representative Renee Co proposed the filing of a House resolution to seek an investigation into the suspected illegal importation of electronic waste from the United States through the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.
“We will file a resolution to investigate the ongoing dumping of e-waste,” Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said during the End E-waste Import media briefing.
“We want the SBMA [Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority] and even government agencies such as the BOC [Bureau of Customs] and DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to answer whether they are aware of what is happening here and what action steps can be taken collectively,” the congresswoman added.
In an exclusive interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE, Co said she is seeking the support of her fellow lawmakers in the House of Representatives to push for the resolution, in coordination with concerned government agencies.
“We will try to get more legislators to support the initiative, but we have been aware of this for a few months now.”
“We want to talk to the different government agencies about this, which is why action is needed. This cannot be allowed to continue,” she said.
The House member further claimed that hundreds of tons of ship-generated waste are reportedly entering the country each day without proper clearances.
“And it is unacceptable," Co pointed out.
The youth advocate, however, stressed that the suspected illegal importation of electronic waste into Subic remains under scrutiny, with environmental groups seeking clarification from concerned government agencies on the actions being taken to address the issue.
“Is it right that we let the [Manila] Regional Trial Court decision stand? Is there any clarification on this in the law? Because as it stands, it is contrary to and not in accordance with the provisions of the Basel Convention,” the lawmaker stated.
The proposed House resolution is expected to be filed this month or in July, with proponents seeking to elevate the matter to the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“We see good visibility for the [resolution] leading up to the SONA,” Co said.
