Hearing on plaint vs. milling firm moved to Aug. 13
A carinderia in front of the Philippine
Foremost Milling Corp. plant in Brgy.
Progreso La Paz.
A. Chris Fernandez photo
The committee on public services, environmental protection and ecology of the Sangguniang Panlungsod has deferred the committee hearing on the complaint of a resident of Barangay Progreso, Lapuz against Philippine Foremost Milling Corp. (PFMC).
Councilor Eldrid Antiquiera, chair of the committee, said they moved the date from August 6, 2007 to August 13, 2007 for lack of ample time to notify the resource persons needed to shed light on the complaint of Teodoro Salem.
Salem sent a letter to the city council, urging the august body to take action on the foul emissions coming from the PFMC plant. The complainant said the foul emission coming from the plant is hazardous to the health of the residents. They had been sending letters to the city council but no action was taken on their complaint.
The complainant said he contracted a lung disease because of the pollution coming from the PFMC. This prompted him to use a nebulizer to help him breathe. The complainant's allegation in his letter was also supported by some of the residents in the barangay when a group of radio reporters went to the area. The residents' claim also contradicted with the statement of Progreso Barangay Capt. Myde Sullano, who claimed the PFMC plant does not emit foul smell and does not pose hazard to health.
Antiquiera said they have invited the complainant, barangay officials, representatives from the PFMC and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for their committee investigation over Salem's complaint.
Antiquiera, whose chairmanship at the committee on public services, environmental protection and ecology is being questioned since he is the legal counsel of the PFMC, said he should be given the chance to prove his worth as the chairman of the said committee.
He said he does not have to "telegraph his punches" in the upcoming investigation over PFMC. They should wait for my action as he assured the complaint and the affected residents to give due process to the complainant and the PFMC.
The neophyte councilor said he will not act on Salem's complaint if he wants to conceal and protect the PFMC being the counsel of the said corporation. They have to wait on Monday for my response, said Antiquiera.