By Melvin C. Gascon
The town council of Dupax del Norte has denied the request of British firm Woggle Corp. for a certificate of consultation, citing the company’s failure to comply with legal requirements for community engagement before carrying out its exploration program.
In a letter dated Sept. 12, Vice Mayor Ric Ronelson Asuncion, the Sangguniang bayan (SB) presiding officer, informed Woggle General Manager Lorn Harvey of the rejection of his request during the council’s regular session on Friday.
“Upon review of the documents submitted and the proceedings conducted, it has become evident that there was no prior consultation with the Sangguniang Bayan prior to the implementation of your approved Exploration Work Program,” Asuncion said.
Asuncion said the decision followed the findings of the SB committee on environment and natural resources, which reviewed the company’s documents, conducted an ocular inspection in Purok Keon, Barangay Bitnong, and held a committee hearing on Aug. 19.
During the Sept. 12 session, all council members voted unanimously to deny Woggle’s request for the certificate.
Woggle Corporation had sought certification in relation to its Exploration Permit covering 3,100 hectares in five of the town’s barangays, and the Revised Environmental and Exploration Work Program.
The company has yet to issue a public statement on the council’s decision.
Asuncion said the council discovered that Woggle had not undertaken prior consultation with the SB before implementing its approved exploration work program, as required by law.
He added that the company’s appearance before the council on Aug. 19 was only upon the request of the SB as a resource person, and not part of a formal consultation initiative.
“This lack of prior consultation raises significant concerns about the adherence to proper protocols and community engagement,” Asuncion wrote.
The council noted that the omission violated Item No. 18 of Woggle’s exploration permit and Section 27 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which requires prior consultation and approval of the concerned Sanggunian before any project or program can be implemented.
“Consultation is not merely procedural; it is a cornerstone of transparency, public participation, and local governance,” the vice mayor stressed.
He said such consultative processes allow communities and local governments to evaluate projects and decide whether to support or oppose them.
On Monday, villagers began their day-and-night watch at the barricade site in Sitio Keon, Barangay Bitnong, to prevent the entry of Woggle workers, as they have begun stockpiling drilling equipment and materials near the site. #
