BENGUET Governor Crescencio Pacalso is giving Itogon town freedom to decide on the seeming standoff with Baguio City on its intent to use land in the town for an Engineered Sanitary Landfill (ESL).
Pacalso said the decision lies within the local government unit on whether to allow the city to use its area for the proposed ESL and vowed not to meddle in the issue.
"It will depend on the people of Itogon, they will decide on this," said Pacalso.
Pacalso said residents as well as the local government unit are capable of making the decision on their own and will not be needing his intervention on the matter, underlying the power of the majority to reign.
Benguet Corporation (BC) pledged close to 30 hectares for Baguio City's use within a patented area in the company's property, but is strongly opposed by the municipality.
Two meetings has transpired with Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan not attending talks with Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and BC.
Palangdan has since been sending his environment officer to sit in the meetings without giving word on approval for the project.
In reports, Itogon folk along with Palangdan and the local council are against the plans with the council refusing to give the mayor authority to deal with Baguio City or BC to build the garbage facility.
BC has agreed to give Itogon 9,000 square meters of land with an additional 11 hectares for the municipality to utilize as their ESL as well, however it was reportedly rejected by the municipality.
