Mayor warns establishments not to dump their used oil in drainages, canals

Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued a stern warning to establishments in the Summer Capital that continue to throw their used oil in drainages that their business licenses will be revoked if they continue to do so.   

During the regular management committee meeting of local officials at City Hall, Feb. 28, the Mayor said he has received reports from concerned residents that food establishments at Burnham Park (across the Bayanihan building) are allegedly using the cover of night time to improperly dispose of their used oil.      

These establishments usually serve grilled chicken or ‘lechon manok’ to their customers, he said.      

He tasked City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) officer-in-charge Engr. Marivic Empizo to meet with operators of the mentioned establishments and order them to cease the dumping of used oil in drainages or their business licenses will be revoked.   

“I will not hesitate to have all the establishments in that area closed if they continue to dump their used oil irresponsibly even if it is during the city’s Panagbenga celebration. They have already been given repeated warnings,” the Mayor stressed.

Empizo disclosed that her office has earlier warned local food establishments against dumping grease and used oil in canals and waterways or face penalties for violating Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990.    

“The presence of grease deposits in  drainage pipes is one of the determined causes of clogging of  water passageways that lead to flooding of streets,” she said. – Gaby B. Keith