The corruption that hides in plain sight is the real threat to our democracy.
— American author and lawyer Zephyr Rain Teachout
MAYPAJO, Caloocan City — Residents of Barangay Dacanlao in Calaca City, Batangas, went to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in Batangas City to report the possible health hazards posed by the hauling of truckloads of ash from the coal furnace of the National Power Corporation (Napocor). They said the ash was being transported to an unidentified destination or dumpsite.
However, the residents lamented that nobody appeared to take notice of their complaint, while officials of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Batangas, headed by Noel Recillo, allegedly failed to take action or conduct an investigation.
According to the residents, they fear that the continuing ash-hauling operations could expose their children and elderly family members to harmful dust and ash, potentially causing various illnesses.
Aside from their health concerns, the residents are also questioning whether the substantial real property tax collections of their barangay and its share from the Department of Energy (DOE), amounting to hundreds of millions of pesos, are being properly utilized for the benefit of the community.
Based on the residents’ account, Barangay Captain Andrew “Drew” Luistro has received at least P435 million in real property tax collections and another P28 million in DOE shares since the Napocor coal-fired power plant was established in their barangay.
Luistro, however, reportedly maintained that the combined P463 million had been allocated to various projects, including water supply, construction of a health center, road and drainage rehabilitation, and the purchase of vehicles for barangay use.
Despite these explanations, residents expressed doubts about whether actual expenditures were consistent with the funds appropriated. They also raised allegations that millions of pesos may have been diverted for the personal benefit of Luistro and some of his colleagues.
The complainants further cited allegations from witnesses who claimed that Luistro was often seen with fellow barangay officials in bars and nightclubs, allegedly engaging in drinking and womanizing while using vehicles purchased with barangay funds.
They insisted that all projects declared by Luistro should undergo a thorough audit to determine whether irregularities occurred in the use of public funds. They also cited information alleging that the barangay captain and some of his fellow officials received a 15-percent share from private contractors.
The residents are calling for a proper investigation into the ash-hauling operations and a comprehensive audit of barangay funds to ensure transparency and accountability.
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