COTABATO — Alamada Mayor Jesus “Susing” Sacdalan, together with 13 barangay captains and a former kagawad, is facing corruption charges after allegedly approving a hydropower project within the Libungan River Watershed Forest Reserve (LRWFR), a protected area.
Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza filed the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, charging Sacdalan with two counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019). The case stems from the issuance of permits and clearances in favor of Euro Hydro Power (Asia) Holdings, Inc. (EHPAHI), allowing the company to operate within the LRWFR despite environmental restrictions.
As a member of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), Sacdalan allegedly approved three resolutions that granted the company clearance, actions that Mendoza said violated existing environmental laws.
Also charged were barangay captains Sulpicio Polayagan Bona, Nelson Bedano Palomero, Carmen Laude Ostan, Ruben Fernandez Bandiola, Wilmar Llegas Robles, Antonio Cabaya Camino Sr., Rey Serot dela Cruz, Joey Asis Obenza, Rebecca Mahinay Villarta, Yhasser Nenka Arat, and Alfredo Chicano Magbanua Sr. Former barangay chairmen George Batomalaque and Sanny Pedro Pamili-ian, as well as former kagawad Paucan Pagalungan Arumpac, were likewise implicated.
While renewable energy projects such as hydropower are widely recognized as clean and beneficial sources of electricity, environmental advocates stress that such developments must strictly comply with environmental laws. The structures and facilities required for these projects often cause significant ecological disruptions, especially when undertaken in protected areas that serve as critical watersheds and habitats.
Governor Mendoza underscored that laws safeguarding the environment cannot be set aside in the name of development. “Yes, renewable energy is beneficial, but the rule of law and environmental protection must prevail,” she said in her complaint.
As of this writing, Mayor Sacdalan and the other respondents have yet to issue a statement regarding the charges.