Pasay city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is considering administrative sanctions against projects and contractors operating without the necessary environmental permits. This move aims to ensure adherence to environmental laws to mitigate flooding and climate-related risks, as stated by Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla during the Project Transform Colloquium.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lotilla emphasized the importance of compliance, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been actively visiting project sites. Lotilla highlighted that this monitoring activity supports the President’s initiative, which seeks to enhance accountability in project implementation. DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones explained that the agency could file administrative cases under Presidential Decree (PD) 1586, which mandates an environmental impact assessment for all developments.
Lotilla mentioned that the DENR utilizes satellite monitoring to oversee projects, particularly flood control initiatives. His statement highlighted ongoing efforts by Undersecretary Carlos Primo David’s office to feed data to the Office of the President, helping track funded flood control projects that are either incomplete or non-existent. He reiterated that violations of environmental laws must not be ignored.
Leones clarified that administrative fines under PD 1586 could reach PHP50,000 per violation. He pointed out that the real concern lies in the liability for damage caused by non-compliant infrastructure. He remarked that some flood control structures, completed without proper clearance, have exacerbated flooding issues. Lotilla urged a broader view of accountability, particularly when projects damage communities and ecosystems, and suggested pursuing cases in collaboration with the Department of Justice for stronger enforcement.
Lotilla stressed the role of local government units as the first line of defense in issuing building permits and enforcing zoning rules. He called for closer coordination to prevent projects in critical or protected zones from proceeding without necessary clearances. He emphasized the importance of preventing illegal activities before they cause harm, advocating for collaboration between national agencies, local government units, and communities to ensure infrastructure bolsters resilience rather than undermining it.
