THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said on Tuesday that Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWMC) continues to operate at the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill, violating the temporary restraining order against its use.

“The BCDA denounces the continuous illegal operations of the MCWMC of the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill in Capas, Tarlac, in violation of the 60-day Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Court of Appeals,” the BCDA said in a statement. 

“The TRO essentially allows the landowner, BCDA, to recover the state-owned property, there being no effective injunction that will hinder it (from doing) so,” it added.

According to the BCDA, it received reports that MCWMC had set up a station along the road outside the Kalangitan landfill.

“Aside from the barriers set up by MCWMC preventing recovery efforts, security on the ground reported a foul smell emanating from the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill, raising health and safety concerns for the neighboring communities,” it said.

The BCDA said it contacted the Philippine National Police, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and sanitation inspectors and public health officials of the governments of Tarlac and Capas.

“BCDA urges MCWMC to uphold the rule of law, to stop trespassing on government property, and to cease its illegal operations at Kalangitan,” it said.

It also called on local government units, businesses, and other clients to stop using the landfill.

“To reiterate, the landfill has no Authority to Operate (ATO) or business permit. Continued use of the facility constitutes a violation of existing environmental laws such as Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” it added.

Last month, BCDA warned that the continuous use of the 100-hectare landfill is against the law and noted that the contract between its subsidiary Clark Development Corp. and MCWMC expired on Oct. 5 and cannot be renewed or extended. — Justine Irish D. Tabile