Execs accountable for bay pollution

An integrated solution that involves cooperation of stakeholders is needed in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, according to the DENR. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Mayors and baranggay officials should be held accountable for the pollution of Manila Bay, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Martin Diño said today.

In an interview, Diño said that the failure of local government units to help in cleaning the bay should be prosecuted.

“Manila Bay is surrounded by Region IV-A, Region III and NCR. About 178 cities and municipalities and 5,500 barangays cover the Manila Bay cleanup. If mayors and barangay captains will not cooperate, then we will file charges against them,” Diño said.

He added that past and present mayors are accountable.

According to the undersecretary, San Juan, Quezon City, Manila and Pateros are among the biggest polluters in Metro Manila. Manila and Pateros mayors are non-compliant in waste management, he claimed.

Dino is optimistic that the Manila Bay cleanup will be a success if the 5,500 barangay captains will cooperate.