Bulacan town suspends steel plant for alleged multiple violations

The local government of Bulacan's Sta. Maria town suspended the operation of a plant that produced steel angle bars for allegedly violating multiple regulations.

The Sta. Maria government's cease and desist order dated August 11, 2024 stated that Hightension Industrial Corporation violated the Real Property Tax Code, two municipal ordinances, and three presidential decrees,  including those that were concerned with the environment.

"In connection to this, I  hereby order to temporarily suspend your business operations effective immediately until compliance of deficient documents. Please be reminded that failing to abide by this order, the municipality may take legal action on this matter," read the order signed by Sta. Maria Mayor Bartolome Ramos

Environmental NGO SEEDS  PH had earlier filed a complaint with the Sta, Maria government alleging that Hightension was operating without an updated Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) and permits to operate pollution-control facilities.

SEEDS PH also claimed that Hightension used an “obsolete” and “environmentally destructive” induction furnace to produce its angle bars.

"We hope that other local officials and our national government regulators, especially the  Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Trade and Industry, will follow the footsteps of Mayor Ramos and take decisive actions against establishments that are operating without regard for the environment and the health of the public," SEEDS PH Secretary General Dona Cristino said in a statement.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Hightension Industrial Corporation, but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

Meanwhile, SEEDS  PH claimed that induction furnaces were also being operated in other towns and provinces.

“Worse, the reports we got revealed that these steel plants are being owned and operated by Mainland Chinese, using Filipinos as dummies.  Practically, these Chinese operators just transferred their environmentally destructive operations here in the Philippines,” said Cristino. — DVM, GMA Integrated News