Manila identifies source of used rapid test kits

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MANILA – The Manila City government said it has already identified and traced the used rapid test kits which were scattered along M. Dela Fuente St. in Sampaloc, Manila on Tuesday evening.

Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso immediately instructed the secretary to the mayor, Bernie Ang, to issue a show-cause order to CP Diagnostics Center on Wednesday.

The show-cause order was served by the Manila Bureau of Permits Chief Levi Facundo to CP Diagnostic Center located at Suite 404, Equitable Bank Building, C. Palanca Street in Quiapo, Manila.

The order states that CP Diagnostics Center is given three days to explain in writing why no charges should be filed against them for certain infractions of the law.

The order states that the diagnostic center violated Republic Act No. 9003, or “An Act Providing For An Ecological Solid Waste Management Program,” for the improper disposal of used rapid test kits, as mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on proper management of hazardous waste.

There was also a violation of Republic Act No. 6969, otherwise known as the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990.

Aside from the cited violations in the order, Facundo said the Manila Sanitation Bureau “also submitted their findings which includes the lack of sanitary and health permits and that the contract with the company collecting their hazardous wastes are expired”.

Facundo explains that hazardous wastes should only be collected by those authorized by the DENR and not disposed of like any other garbage.

“Kung itinapon nila ng tama ito, ng tamang lalagyan at meron silang koontrata ay hindi ito mag eend up dun sa kamay ng mangangalakal na basta kinuha na lang at ayuntumapon sa kalye. Mahirap ito dahil me mga blood extracts ito dahil ito ay mga rapid test kits na gamit na (if these were disposed of properly and they have a contract this will not end up in the hands of those scavengers who easily pick them up and ended up scattered in the streets. These used rapid test kits are dangerous as they contain blood extracts),” he said.

CP Diagnostics will remain close until they were able to properly explain why they should not be charged and allowed to reopen.

Meanwhile, one of the operators of the diagnostics center who received the order, Dr. Noval Santos, apologized and admitted that it was a mistake and that they will comply with the show-cause order.