Board member urges Capiz PENRO head to resign

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Sangguniang Panlalawigan(SP) member Mateo Hachuela called for the resignation of Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO) chief Atty. Emilyn Arboleda-Depon for alleged negligence and incompetence in her job.

In a privilege speech during their session Tuesday, Hachuela accused Depon of misleading the board members during a recent committee hearing on quarry operations in the province.

He said that even Governor Esteban Evan Contreras does not know of a quarry operation in the town of Dumarao.

Daily Guardian is still trying to get Depon’s comment on Hachuela’s accusations.

Hachuela said Depon has told them that she was roaming around the province, and she only learned and monitored the existing quarry operation in Sigma.

“Nagkulang siya sa iya obligasyon sa CaPENRO, kuntani may yara ya nga mas competent pagid, damo pa man nga Capiznon, indi naton pag i-limit sa amu ni nga tawo lang ang tsansa nga mangin CaPENRO kay madamo pa dira ang mas maayo kesa sa iya,” Hachuela said.

During their session Tuesday, majority of SP members favored Hachuela’s request to amend the provincial ordinance, particularly CaPENRO’s role.

Under the proposed amendment, local government units will not be required for a permit from CaPENRO if the gravel will be used for the rehabilitation of barangay and municipal roads.

Earlier, CaPENRO apprehended the heavy equipment of Sigma town for conducting quarry operations at Brgy. Acbo without necessary permits.

Sigma Mayor Christopher Andaya questioned the move saying the gravel will be used for the rehabilitation of the town’s roads.

The proposed amendment is with the office of Governor Contreras.