The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced plans to sue the operator of the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. (PhilEco), in light of the fire that erupted on April 10.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna confirmed that the landfill's environmental conditions are improving after weeks of monitoring and response efforts. However, legal actions will proceed against PhilEco for violating environmental regulations.
Despite ownership of the site transferring to San Miguel Corp. (SMC), Cuna emphasized that PhilEco remains responsible for rehabilitation efforts mandated under its environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
Cuna stated, "The operator still needs to do the rehabilitation. It is their obligation since they committed to it under the ECC."
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed on May 10 that the fire, which burned for weeks, has been fully extinguished.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon highlighted the importance of ongoing maintenance to prevent future incidents. He noted that methane gas still poses a risk beneath the landfill.
Dizon urged SMC to contribute to maintenance efforts, emphasizing that effective soil compaction and monitoring are essential as the hot season approaches.
The DENR has already issued Notices of Violation to PhilEco for several breaches of environmental laws, including failure to submit essential rehabilitation plans and inadequate pollution control measures.
Cuna remarked, "Environmental negligence has consequences. We will not allow operators to walk away from their responsibilities," indicating the government's commitment to hold PhilEco accountable.
The April 10 fire at the landfill, located in Barangay Tanza, Navotas, was ignited by built-up methane gas from decomposing waste. Although the fire was extinguished, unhealthy air quality levels were reported in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.
Fortunately, air quality has since improved, with monitoring stations indicating stabilized readings of "fair" to "good" levels.
We can’t be complacent. Proper maintenance is critical to preventing another fire.
Secretary Vince Dizon