Bacolod mayor stresses proper waste disposal following viral dumping video
FOUR persons on a truck illegally dumped construction debris in the reclamation area in Bacolod City, resulting in condemnation. (Mayor Greg Gasataya FB)
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Greg Gasataya has reminded people to dispose of their garbage properly following a viral video showing
four men dumping construction materials in the reclamation area here.
The video, widely circulated on social media and shared by Gasataya recently, prompted immediate action from authorities.
Gasataya vowed to hold them accountable. “We are not taking this matter lightly," he said.
He has ordered an investigation which identified the truck owner who later met officials from the City Legal Office (CLO) and Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO).
CLO spokesperson Vanessa Encabo said the truck owner admitted instructing his workers to dump debris in the area. He apologized and said he was unaware of the ordinance prohibiting dumping in the area.
Encabo reminded him that ignorance of the law does not exempt anyone from penalties. He violated City Ordinance No. 596 and Republic Act No. 9003 that prohibit dumping construction waste in unauthorized areas.
Under the ordinance, violators face a P2,500 fine or five days of community service. The truck owner agreed to pay the fine along with an additional P270 fee based on the truck’s 2.7-cubic-meter carrying capacity. He was also ordered to remove the debris.
City officials reminded contractors, truck owners, and residents to coordinate with BENRO and use authorized disposal sites for waste management.
The city will push their information campaign to help people better understand environmental laws and proper waste management practices.
The Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region served a show cause order to the truck owner for possible violations of environmental laws and local ordinances. The document was properly received by a family member.
The LTO-NIR urged people to ensure their vehicles are not used to violate laws and ordinances.