The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will investigate Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and other local officials over the dumping of garbage in front of the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Davao City.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Tuesday that DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla had committed to look into the incident, including whether there was negligence or any violation of environmental laws by local officials.
The garbage was reportedly dumped outside the DENR-Davao Region office after the agency ordered the closure of the New Carmen Sanitary Landfill following a trash slide in May that left two people dead.
“Nabanggit po ni Secretary Jonvic, maaari pong mapag-usapan at matingnan kung may negligence at kung mayroong paglabag sa environmental laws,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
She said Malacañang would not preempt the outcome of the DILG investigation, but noted that officials found liable could face administrative penalties depending on the gravity of the offense.
Possible sanctions may include reprimand, suspension, or removal from office.
Castro reminded local government officials that their mandate is to serve their constituents and not act based on personal interests.
“Hindi po dapat katamaran o pansarili ang iniisip, isipin ninyo po ang inyong constituents,” she said.
She added that public officials who disregard their duties or the welfare of their constituents should be investigated.
The DENR regional office earlier said the suspension of operations at the landfill would be lifted only after required safety and engineering measures are completed.
Castro said the DILG probe will determine the circumstances surrounding the garbage dumping and the possible accountability of those involved.