NVizcaya governor warns vs overpricing

BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya — In a bid to protect consumers’ welfare, Gov. Jose Gambito has issued a stern warning to sand and gravel operators in the province, stating that “those found guilty of overpricing will be blacklisted and barred from conducting business related to sand and gravel extraction.”

According to Gambito, the provincial government has received reports of “unscrupulous operators” with a stockpile of sand and gravel charging consumers excessively.

He explained that this decisive action follows a provincial advisory that temporarily suspends quarry permits for applicants without the mandatory Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Gambito said these extractors and operators are apparently seeking to profit from the suspension ordered by the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) under Resolution 2025-03 “to ensure that quarry operators comply with environmental regulations.”

“Operators found guilty of overpricing after due process will face severe consequences, including being blacklisted and prevented from engaging in sand and gravel extraction-related business activities,” Gambito said.

He added that this move is designed to safeguard consumers from unscrupulous operators seeking to exploit the temporary suspension for financial gain.

According to Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Mario Ancheta, who chairs the PMRB, conditional quarry permit holders were given months to secure their ECCs, but none have submitted the required documents.

“This lack of compliance led to the PMRB’s recommendation to suspend quarry permits,” Ancheta said.

Emphasizing that the suspension is not intended to punish operators but rather to encourage compliance with environmental regulations, Gambito assured that the suspension can be lifted once applicants obtain and submit the required ECCs.

He also highlighted the importance of environmental safeguards in the province’s quarrying activities.

“The ECC is a prerequisite to the issuance of quarry permits, and we are enforcing this requirement to protect the environment.”

“The provincial government is committed to environmental protection by enforcing ECC requirements and cracking down on overpricing to create a more sustainable and equitable environment for all stakeholders involved in the quarrying industry,” Gambito said.