Filtered By: Topstories
News

Groups bring case of imported trash from Canada before int’l convention


Two environmental groups have brought the issue on Canada's imported trash in the Philippines before an international organization, saying it is a violation of an international treaty.

Basel Action Network and BAN Toxics have submitted the case to the Basel Convention Secretariat to start the proceedings on Canada's alleged negligence.

In their letter to the secretariat, the groups pointed out that Canada's export of household waste to the Philippines was against the Basel Convention, which aims to lessen the export of dangerous waste between countries, particularly from a developed country to a less developed one.

The groups also said Canada's lack of appropriate legislation to meet the treaty is not a reason to go against its obligation in the convention.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it will support any legal action that will be taken by the Philippine government against Canada for shipping tons of waste to the country.

It also expressed "great concern" over the waste shipment, which was impounded by the Bureau of Customs in 2013 and left to rot for two years.

The DFA said it "defers to the DENR (Deparment of Environment and Natural Resources) decision, which said Canada did not violate any law for sending the waste to the Philippines."

It also said it will support any legal action should the DENR reconsider its position. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KBK, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT