BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
In a notable ruling that underscores the importance of adhering to legal procedures and respecting public infrastructure, the 15th Municipal Trial Court in Bilar has issued a decisive order against the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sevilla.
The court’s directive demands the immediate return of a submersible pump and its accompanying accessories, integral components of the Balilihan Bulk Water Supply Project, to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The case, which has drawn significant attention, arose after LGU Sevilla removed the water pump and accessories, prompting the DPWH to seek legal recourse.
The court found that the DPWH, as the project’s implementing agency, is the rightful owner of the equipment, and that LGU Sevilla’s actions resulted in considerable damage to a public facility, adversely impacting the community at large.
In addition to ordering the return of the equipment, the court imposed a fine on LGU Sevilla amounting to P1,305,207.68 in exemplary damages, alongside the costs of litigation.
The ruling further mandates LGU Sevilla to cease any interference with the ongoing Balilihan project at Bugwak Spring, a vital water source for the town.
This judicial decision echoes an earlier resolution by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), which dismissed a case filed by LGU Sevilla seeking to prevent LGU Balilihan from extracting water from Bugwak Spring.
The NWRB upheld the validity of the conditional water permit (CWP) granted to Balilihan, affirming the legality of their actions and reinforcing the earlier decision against Richli Corporation, which had filed a similar case.
The significance of the court’s ruling extends beyond the immediate parties involved, serving as a deterrent to prevent similar transgressions in the future.
It highlights the critical role of the DPWH in managing public projects and the necessity of safeguarding state-owned natural resources, such as Bugwak Spring, for the equitable benefit of all Filipinos, as emphasized by DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga.
The unfolding narrative of the Balilihan Bulk Water Supply Project and the legal battles surrounding it reflect the complexities of managing shared natural resources and the imperative of upholding the rule of law to ensure the welfare of present and future generations.
The court’s decision stands as a testament to the principle that public infrastructure and resources are to be protected and managed responsibly, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.