MANILA, Philippines — Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has filed a House resolution seeking an investigation into the alleged illegal operation of an open dumpsite within the ancestral domain of an Aeta community in Subic, Zambales.
In House Resolution No. 1250, filed on Thursday, De Lima called for an inquiry into the establishment and prolonged operation of the dumpsite in Sitio Tibag, Barangay Naugsol, to determine accountability, assess the site's rehabilitation and closure plan, and recommend measures to strengthen the protection of ancestral domains.
"Turning ancestral land into a dumpsite is a grave desecration of our forebears' land," De Lima said, describing the alleged use of the Aeta community's ancestral domain as a blatant disregard for indigenous rights and welfare.
The resolution follows reports that the Subic local government established and operated the dumpsite in 2019, with waste allegedly including used personal protective equipment, face masks, and other medical waste generated during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Saying the operation was only meant to be temporary is no excuse, especially when indigenous communities live there. Why did this dumping continue for seven years despite the fears and complaints of the affected community?" De Lima said.
The proposed House inquiry will examine whether the required free and prior informed consent was obtained from the Aeta community, the reported delay in the site's closure despite alleged violations of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the environmental and health impacts on residents, the proposed P78-million rehabilitation plan, and possible legislative measures to prevent similar incidents.
