Sagada SB tells Globe: Stop illegal operations

BY GINA DIZON

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- For allegedly operating without necessary clearances from concerned agencies, the Sangguniang Bayan here in their resolution, directed Globe Telecommunications to stop its “illegal operations.”

The Sangguniang Bayan in their a recent meeting said Globe failed to secure and submit requirements as instructed earlier.

SB councilor Jane Bawing said should Globe wish to operate in any part of Sagada, the company has to comply with needed requirements.

Globe is required to submit a “free prior and informed consent” certification from the office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; an environmental compliance certificate from the office of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, a health clearance certificate from the Dept. of Health and a mayor’s permit.

Prior to the construction of the cell site now located at the Calvary grounds of the Anglican church here, representatives from the telecommunications company consulted officials of the local government unit and agreed to submit the required permits.

Despite having no clearances submitted to Sagada LGU however, Globe reportedly operated the facility for nearly two years to date.

The Globe cell site which sits on church grounds and built on a cross-like structure shines resplendent at night.

It is a “temporary cell site”, parish priest Jerry Sagayo said. “Globe has to abide with what the law requires,” he said.

Globe started operations here in late 2005 and had been paying P15,000 a month as rent to the Anglican church here.

Sagayo said the local government unit has to learn from how Smart Telecommunications, located at Mt Ampakaw also operated for nearly 10 years until now.

Smart pays a P40,000 yearly rent to the lot owner, a private citizen from barangay Balugan of this town.

The municipality does not receive a single centavo from the giant telecommunications company.