The operation of the Lafayette Philippines, Inc. remains suspended. “I have not issued any lifting order on the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) issued by the Pollution Adjudication Board on January 9, 2006,” according to DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Lafayette has recently submitted a 115-page Environmental Management System for the Rapu Rapu Polymetallic Project. The document contains the comprehensive pollution control program to be implemented by the Rapu Rapu Project. However, mere submission of the plan does not automatically mean compliance, according to Secretary Reyes. The DENR experts still need to review and validate the plan.

While the DENR acknowledges Lafayette’s efforts to address its pollution problems, the DENR still has to determine the validity and adequacy of its anti-pollution efforts and programs.

Lafayette’s operation was suspended after it spilled its wastewater into the environment twice – on October 11 and 31, 2005. As a result, the DENR suspended its operation, especially the discharge of its wastewater. Lafayette has to fully comply with all the conditions set by the DENR for various violations before it can resume operation, according to Secretary Reyes.

DEMETRIO L. IGNACIO, JR.
DENR Undersecretary

March 27, 2006