BAGUIO CITY—Mayor Mauricio Domogan ordered the local government departments to study the environment and health hazards posed by the controversial Camp 7 cement batching plant that may justify its closure.
Domogan told the department heads that he had been receiving numerous complaints from residents living near the batching plant. The residents claimed the dust from the plant caused upper respiratory tract infection, while the noise disturbs the peace and caused sleepless nights and anxiety.
“It is true that the court declared the anti-batching plant ordinance as unconstitutional and that the case is still pending before the Court of Appeals,” Domogan stressed.
A city council ordinance prohibited the operation of cement batching plants in Baguio, saying they harm the health of the people and the environment, but a local court declared the measure was unconstitutional.
Domogan instructed the City Environment and Parks Management Office, the City Building and Architecture Office, the City Health Services Office, the City Permits and Licensing Division and the Baguio City Police Office to check whether the operator of the cement batching plant complies with existing rules and regulations against health and environment hazards. He also told them to inspect its business, building and occupancy permits.
He asked the concerned offices to recommend actions that would lead to the closure of the cement batching plant.
The mayor urged the affected residents to firmly support their complaint against the continuous operation of the batching plant so the concerned departments will have sufficient basis for recommending its closure.
The batching plant, owned by a wealthy Chinese businessman, is also allegedly encroaching on a portion of a nearby river.