In an order dated April 3, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) suspended the ECC of Seagate Engineering and Buildsystems, the company linked to the dredging vessel operating in Lobo, Batangas.
DENR had previously granted to the company two ECCs on May 17, 2018 to operate in Lobo, Batangas, on the condition that it would submit to the department all the required permits and clearances from other concerned government agencies within 60 days before it could begin any project.
“Records show that neither on the deadline, which is within 60 working days upon the receipt of the ECC nor recently, were the required permits/clearances from other government agencies secured prior to the implementation of the project. No permits were submitted to this Office,” the DENR order read.
Seagate Engineering would be required to secure a dredging permit, clearance, and an approved dredging plan from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), accreditation from the regional Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and either mineral ore permit or an ore transport permit from the MGB Central Office.
“Failure on the part of the respondent to abide by this lawful Order shall constrain this Office to issue the necessary sanction, which may include among others the imposition of other fines and/or institution of appropriate action in the regular court of law,” the DENR said.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Lobo Mayor Gaudioso Manalo said the Chinese dredging ship MV Emerald did not have a local government permission to operate.
The ship personnel had presented to Manalo a contract in 2008 between the local government and Seagate Engineering and Buildsystems with head office in San Pascual, Batangas.
“Yung kontrata na ‘yon, ay apat na taon nang hindi sila nag-operate na superseded ng 2012 na panibagong kontrata ng LGU with Mayor (Efren) Diona atsaka FS Suntan,” Manalo explained.
[Translation: That contract showed they haven’t operated in four years and was superseded by a new contract of the LGU with Mayor Diona and FS Suntan.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 4) — The environment compliance certificate (ECC) of the company that allegedly operates the Chinese-manned dredging ship has been suspended.
Coast Guard inspects anchorage of Chinese-manned dredging vessel | https://t.co/sDo55hwVGt pic.twitter.com/hGhTn5eQp3
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) April 4, 2019
