Current Status of Quarry Operations in Montalban, Rizal

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Montalban, officially known as Rodriguez, in Rizal province, has long been a focal point for quarrying activities. These operations have raised environmental and social concerns among local communities and authorities.

Environmental and Social Impacts

Quarrying in Montalban has been linked to several environmental issues, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased susceptibility to flooding. Notably, during Typhoon Ulysses in 2020, extensive flooding in Marikina and nearby areas was attributed to the degradation of the Marikina Watershed, exacerbated by quarrying activities. In response, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) suspended the operations of 11 quarry and crushing plant companies in Rizal to assess their environmental compliance. 

In September 2024, concerns were raised regarding the impact of quarrying on an Islamic burial site in Rodriguez, Rizal. This prompted Senator Robin Padilla to initiate an investigation into the effects of quarrying and landfill operations on sacred sites and the environment. 

Companies Involved in Quarrying Operations

Several companies have been identified as operating quarrying activities in Montalban, Rizal. These include:

Big Rock Aggregates Corporation: Engaged in producing and supplying high-quality stone aggregates while practicing responsible mining. 

J. C. Rodriguez Construction Corporation

Montalban Millex Aggregates Corporation: Committed to responsible mining practices, emphasizing being pro-people and pro-environment. 

Solid Integrated Co. Incorporated: Listed among the companies operating in Rodriguez, Rizal. 

Government Actions and Community Responses

In December 2020, the DENR formed composite teams to investigate quarry operations in Rizal following massive flooding that affected parts of the province and Marikina City. 

By February 2021, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) lifted the temporary suspension of several quarries and crushing plants in Rizal province, stating that flooding, erosion, and siltation would occur within the Marikina River Basin with or without mining operations. 

Despite these developments, local communities and environmental groups continue to advocate for the cessation of mining and quarrying projects in Rizal province, citing these activities as primary causes of environmental degradation and increased flooding risks. 

Conclusion

The quarrying operations in Montalban, Rizal, present a complex challenge that requires balancing economic interests with environmental preservation and respect for cultural sites. Ongoing monitoring, transparent investigations, and active community engagement are essential to address the multifaceted impacts of these activities.

Inefficiency Amid Renovation: The Struggles of Mandaluyong City's Municipal Health Certificate Process

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Securing a Municipal Health Certificate in Mandaluyong City has become a daunting task for employees and workers, as the process requires a series of medical and legal prerequisites. These include an X-ray, urinalysis, stool test, police clearance, and a community tax certificate (cedula). While the intention of the ordinance is commendable, ensuring the health and integrity of the city's workforce, the current execution leaves much to be desired.

A Test of Patience

Imagine falling in line for hours, jostling for space with countless others, all under less-than-ideal conditions. This is the reality for many residents who need to complete their requirements. With each document requiring a separate queue, the process feels more like a marathon than an administrative procedure. The ordeal is worsened by the state of the facilities conducting the medical exams and X-rays.

According to the people meaning the X-rays, they only have two units and they serve only up to a maximum of 500 people. That's 250 in the morning, 200 in the afternoon (they distribute numbers) which ends at 4 pm since office hours for government employees in Mandaluyong end at 4pm. But they allow overtime for 50 more these days since it's the season for renewal of health certificates making the total up to 500.

Crumbling Infrastructure Amid Promises of Change

The facility used for medical exams and X-rays is not only dilapidated but also pending demolition to pave the way for a newer building located at another area. While the promise of a modern facility sounds promising, its construction is far from complete. Are they waiting for the election to finish before they complete the new building? . In the meantime, residents are left to endure the discomfort of an outdated and unsafe environment.

Though they do have seats, they are still not enough leaving many still either standing or waiting outside. The current facility is only at an open area with only  tarpaulin tents and also not entirely shielding them from the sun and pollution.

The situation still highlights a disconnect between policy and implementation. While the city aims to enforce health and safety standards, it has failed to provide adequate infrastructure until today to support its own requirements.

According to another staff at the medical health office, the building they were supposed to transfer to was started after the pandemic and may be completed anytime within the year. They are still waiting for the X-ray team to also transfer there so that both of their teams will be at one location. At the moment, their current area is still a sight for sore eyes, with even the ceilings seeming already about to fall into their heads. 

The Human Toll of an Inefficient System

For those waiting in line, the experience is far from pleasant. The lack of proper seating, ventilation, and organization (though the staff tries hard to control) creates an environment of frustration and exhaustion. These challenges disproportionately affect minimum-wage earners and blue-collar workers, who often cannot afford to take time off from work for these procedures.

Stories from the queue paint a picture of resilience amidst adversity. One applicant shared, "I’ve been here since 5 a.m., and it’s now noon. I’ve only completed one step." Another expressed concerns about the health risks of spending hours in a crowded, poorly ventilated area—ironically, while trying to secure a health certificate.

A Call for Reform

Mandaluyong City prides itself on being one of Metro Manila's progressive cities, yet this issue reveals a glaring oversight. The city government must address the immediate concerns of its citizens by expediting the construction of the new facility and implementing interim solutions. Possible measures include:

Establishing temporary satellite offices to distribute the crowd and shorten queues.

Introducing online pre-registration to minimize physical presence and streamline the process.

Providing better amenities such as shaded waiting areas, drinking water, and priority lanes for the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

Learning from Other Cities

Other cities in Metro Manila, such as Pasig and Taguig, have made strides in digitizing their public services. Mandaluyong could look to these examples for inspiration, incorporating technology to make the process more efficient. Online submission of requirements and appointment scheduling could drastically reduce the burden on both residents and city employees.

Conclusion

Mandaluyong City has a responsibility to its citizens to ensure that health and administrative services are not only accessible but also humane. While the intention behind the Municipal Health Certificate ordinance is valid, the current system is failing the very people it aims to protect.

The ongoing renovation of the facility offers a glimmer of hope, but the city must act now to address the immediate challenges. The people of Mandaluyong deserve a process that respects their time, health, and dignity—after all, they are the backbone of the city's workforce.

As we await change (will this be more visible in time or after the campaigns and elections), its time for citizens, local leaders, and stakeholders to come together and advocate for a system that truly works for the people. Until then, the struggle for a Municipal Health Certificate remains an unnecessary trial for many.

Unveiling the Billion-Peso Campaigns: A Closer Look at Electoral Spending in the Philippines

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As the Philippines heads into the high-stakes 2025 national elections, a troubling trend is taking shape in the political arena. The once-hidden mechanics of electioneering are now more transparent than ever, and the numbers are nothing short of staggering. With reports revealing that some of the country’s leading political figures have spent over a billion pesos each on campaign advertisements, the conversation around the ethics and sustainability of such practices has never been more critical.

The sheer scale of campaign spending—spanning traditional media, digital platforms, and even outdoor billboards—raises fundamental questions about the future of Philippine democracy. Could the cost of winning an election be undermining the very integrity of the political system? Let’s dive deeper into the implications of these record-breaking campaign expenses.

The Billion-Peso Question: How Much is Enough?

Recent figures from Nielsen Ad Intel and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism have exposed the staggering campaign expenditures by some of the country's most well-known political figures. Camille Villar and Imee Marcos, two of the frontrunners for the 2025 elections, have each surpassed the P1 billion mark in ad spending from January to September 2024 alone. This massive outlay covers television commercials, radio ads, print media, and billboards. For comparison, these amounts are far higher than the annual salaries of most government officials.

Villar, who leads with P1.076 billion, and Marcos, at P1.040 billion, are not just setting new benchmarks for campaign spending—they are raising serious concerns about the increasing commodification of politics. In a country where millions of Filipinos live below the poverty line, how is it that political campaigns, which should be about public service, are instead becoming a contest of who can spend the most?

The Disconnect: Salaries vs. Campaign Spending

One of the most perplexing aspects of this massive spending spree is the disconnect between the cost of campaigning and the salaries that elected officials actually receive. The figures are jarring: the millions poured into advertisements by these political figures are orders of magnitude larger than the official compensation they would earn if they win.

For example, the annual salary of a Philippine senator is just over P700,000—hardly a match for the billion-peso war chests that are being assembled. With such a large financial investment at stake, candidates who spend this much money on campaigns may feel compelled to "recover" these funds once they are in office. This financial pressure could incentivize corruption, unethical practices, and the prioritization of personal financial interests over the public good.

The question, then, becomes: How do these politicians expect to recoup such immense campaign expenses? In a system where campaign donations and fundraising can be murky, the temptation to engage in questionable dealings, favoritism, or other forms of graft becomes all too real.

The Danger of "Money Politics"

At its core, this rising wave of campaign spending is a symptom of a deeper issue known as “money politics.” When elections become a race to outspend one another, candidates who are wealthy or have access to large donors gain a massive advantage, making it difficult for those with less financial backing to compete. This trend creates an uneven playing field, undermining the democratic process.

This financial arms race does not just skew the electoral system—it also distorts the very nature of political discourse. With millions of pesos spent on flashy advertisements and media appearances, political campaigns become less about policy debates or the candidates' visions for the future, and more about brand-building and image control. Rather than offering voters substantive discussions about governance, elections become a spectacle—a beauty pageant, if you will—where the loudest, most visually striking campaign wins, not necessarily the most competent or qualified candidate.

The Need for Stronger Campaign Finance Regulation

Given the current trajectory of electoral spending, it is clear that the Philippines needs comprehensive campaign finance reforms. Without clear regulations on campaign contributions and spending limits, the system is left wide open to manipulation by those who can afford to spend without restraint.

The following reforms are essential to maintaining the integrity of the electoral system:

Transparency in Campaign Financing: Candidates must disclose the sources of their funding in a clear, accessible, and timely manner. Citizens have a right to know where campaign funds are coming from and whether those donors have any undue influence over a candidate’s policies.

Limits on Campaign Expenditures: To prevent the excessive spending that is currently driving the political narrative, there must be legal limits on how much candidates can spend on their campaigns. These limits should reflect the spirit of equal opportunity in the electoral process, ensuring that no one candidate can buy their way to power.

Stronger Oversight and Enforcement: The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other regulatory bodies must be empowered to enforce campaign finance laws strictly. Campaign finance violations should not be tolerated, and penalties for non-compliance should be substantial enough to deter dishonest practices.

Public Accessibility of Campaign Data: Making campaign finance data easily accessible to the public would allow citizens to scrutinize and hold candidates accountable for their spending. Public access to financial reports will help ensure that electoral candidates are playing by the rules.

The Role of the Voters

While political candidates and regulators have an essential role to play in cleaning up campaign spending, voters themselves must take ownership of the electoral process. Filipinos must resist the allure of flashy political ads and instead dig deeper into the track records and platforms of the candidates they support.

Before casting a vote, citizens should:

Research Candidates: Beyond the ads, voters must consider a candidate’s past actions, integrity, and dedication to public service.

Question Sources of Funding: Whenever possible, voters should inquire into where a candidate’s funds are coming from and whether they are tied to corporate interests or other power brokers.

Demand Transparency: Citizens should make their voices heard by demanding more transparency and accountability in how campaign funds are managed and reported.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Electoral Integrity

The sky-high campaign spending seen in the 2024 election cycle is a red flag for the future of Philippine democracy. If left unchecked, this trend will continue to erode the integrity of the electoral process, turning it into a battle of wealth rather than ideas. To ensure that future elections reflect the true will of the people, the Philippines must urgently reform its campaign finance laws, enforce transparency, and ensure that elections are not swayed by financial power.

Only then can voters be confident that their voices are being heard, not just the voices of those with the biggest campaign budgets. It is time for the Philippines to reclaim its democracy by making electoral campaigns about public service and not about buying influence.