Cebu City ordinance to penalize firms caught violating environmental laws

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CEBU City has warned business establishments to comply with environmental laws or risk losing their permits under a stricter ordinance set for enforcement next year.

The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) announced it will begin penalizing non-compliant businesses in January 2025, following the approval of City Ordinance 2754, the amended Sustainable Development Ordinance.

CCENRO legal officer Atty. Klive Eric Ravanes said they will implement the ordinance at the start of the business permit renewal period in January.

He emphasized the importance of compliance, noting that over 38,000 business permit holders in the city will be required to follow the new environmental policies.

City Ordinance 2754 revises City Ordinance 2243, which mandates businesses to submit a notarized Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) as part of their permit applications.

The ESAP, Cebu City’s version of the Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, outlines the steps businesses must take to reduce their environmental impact.

Ravanes explained that the amendment gives CCENRO the authority to inspect establishments and penalize those violating environmental policies or the commitments stated in their ESAP. He described the ESAP as a promise by businesses to uphold Cebu City’s environmental laws.

CCENRO inspectors will focus on solid waste management, proper wastewater disposal, septage management, and vector control during inspections to ensure compliance.

Under the ordinance, businesses may face penalties for various infractions, such as failing to display the certificate of compliance, present the ESAP application form during inspections, fulfill the mandatory provisions of the ESAP, or allow CCENRO personnel to access their premises.

First-time offenders will be fined P2,000, while repeat violations could lead to fines of up to P5,000, imprisonment, or permit revocation.

Businesses can avoid further penalties by paying a compromise fee of P1,000 within 15 days of receiving a citation ticket.

Ravanes appealed to business owners to follow the city’s environmental laws, including the Segregation at Source policy, and to comply with their ESAP requirements to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.(MyTVCebu)