Nabas mayor seeks help from San Miguel to solve waste woes

Mayor James Solanoy met with the officials of San Miguel Corp. in a bid to solve the waste problem in the town.

Solanoy has a pending case at the Environmental Ombudsman.

The Environmental Ombudsman, which has jurisdiction over violations of environmental laws involving public officials and employees, charged Solanoy and other local executives in Iloilo in 2016 for their alleged noncompliance with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The Environmental Ombudsman has warned Solanoy and the others of suspension if they fail to ensure environmental sustainability in their respective areas.

Solanoy said he received new documents from the Environment Ombudsman last week asking him to furnish an explanation letter.

“I have already asked my lawyers to immediately respond to the letter of Environmental Ombudsman,” Solanoy said. “The Ombudsman has asked us what we have been doing to comply with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.”

Solanoy added, “Honestly, we are currently a fourth-class municipality. We do not know where to get funds to finance the needed requirements as stated in the law.”

Because of this, Solanoy sought help from San Miguel Corp., which is currently building an international airport and an entertainment complex in the town.

The mayor also presented to San Miguel Corp. officials the idea of putting up a private hospital in Nabas.

“They would benefit from it in the future. It can be a health facility for all their staff,” Solanoy said.

San Miguel Corp. has yet to give its response to Solanoy’s proposals./