Malacañang has issued a strong condemnation against the illegal dumping of trash outside the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Davao City, labeling the incident a direct violation of environmental laws, public safety, and the rule of law.
In a Palace briefing on June 8, Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro slammed the officials allegedly linked to the incident, stating that their actions demonstrate a complete disregard for proper legal channels and responsible governance.
“Ang tahasang pagpapakita ng kawalan ng galang sa batas, proseso at rule of law ang siyang dapat na ituring na ugaling basura,” Castro said. “Ito ang dapat na itapon ng mga abusadong leader na imbes na sumunod sa proseso para sa kapakanan ng komunidad ay maninisi pa sa mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng mga panuntunan.”
The statement follows an earlier denunciation by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regarding the June 3 incident, which the bureau warned created health hazards for residents.
Castro also described the trash-dumping incident as a dangerous distraction (“mapanganib na distraksyon”), especially as authorities manage the aftermath of a May 20 garbage slide at the Davao City Sanitary Landfill.
The Palace reminded local government units (LGUs) to focus on upgrading their waste management systems and resolving landfill issues instead of resorting to actions that put communities at risk.
“Ang ilegal na pagtatambak ng basura ay hindi lamang iresponsable. Malinaw na isa itong aksyon na hindi dapat pamarisan ng mga ibang LGU ng bansa,” Castro added.
According to Castro, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna remains resolute in implementing environmental regulations to safeguard public welfare. She concluded with a firm reminder to local officials to fulfill their duties properly.
“Para sa mga LGU, linisin niyo ang inyong mga bakuran. Magtrabaho kayo para sa inyong bayan. Huwag pamarisan ang mga maling gawain na ikapapahamak ng taong-bayan,” she said.
Malacañang reiterated that adhering to environmental laws is vital to protecting the public and maintaining community trust in government leadership.