TACLOBAN CITY — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte has introduced a measure that seeks to institutionalize a transparent, accountable, and participatory system for issuing Resolutions of Interposing No Objection (RINO) at the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels.
RINOs are a crucial step in the environmental impact assessment process, signaling a local government’s endorsement of proposed projects. However, the absence of uniform guidelines has led to inconsistent practices, limited public participation, and potential environmental risks.
The proposed ordinance draws from the Leyte Environmental Code, Presidential Decree No. 1586 (establishing the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2003-30. These policies outline safeguards and criteria to ensure that local endorsements are well-informed, inclusive, and environmentally sound.
Leyte First District Board Member Ronnan Christian Reposar, one of the measure’s authors, stressed the importance of aligning the process with the Environmental Code authored by Board Member Carlo Loreto.
“The provisions require that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan be informed, and consent must also include municipal and barangay local government units,” Reposar said.
Under the measure, the issuance of a RINO must pass through a technical review, stakeholder consultations, and legislative approval. Endorsements will only be granted if projects conform to local land use plans, avoid encroaching on protected areas or ancestral domains, and provide adequate environmental safeguards.
To strengthen enforcement, the ordinance empowers local chief executives to issue cease-and-desist orders, suspend activities, and blacklist violators. Penalties include fines of up to P5,000 for individuals and daily fines of P3,000 for continuing violations.
Officials say the measure aims to harmonize local government practices and give communities a stronger voice in determining whether projects proceed — especially those with significant ecological or social impact.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
