Gov. Edduba proposes limited exemptions on nighttime quarry transport rules to avoid delays in Kalinga road projects

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba has proposed a more flexible approach to the province's ordinance prohibiting the nighttime transport of quarry materials, suggesting limited exemptions for qualified infrastructure projects that can only be carried out after dark.

The proposal was raised during the Management Committee (ManCom) meeting on July 20 at the New Conference Hall in Bulanao, where Edduba sought to balance the province's strict regulation of quarry operations with the practical needs of contractors implementing time-sensitive road projects, particularly asphalt paving.

During the discussion, the governor explained that some government infrastructure projects are intentionally scheduled at night to minimize traffic congestion. He noted that asphalt cannot be stored for extended periods after it is mixed and must be transported and laid immediately, making nighttime hauling necessary in certain situations.

Edduba stressed that only the transport of quarry materials, and not quarry extraction, should be considered for exemption under the ordinance.

"Uray lang kuma diay transport ti mai-consider, hanen diay extraction. Kasi asphalt met piman ket adda met dagidiay project nga they can only implement in night time kasi nu aldaw gamin ket traffic, haan da mai-transport nga dagus, maistorbo met. And there are times nga they only allow contractors to work during night times ket dagidiay kuma ti exemption na nu mabalin. Isunga anya ti ikasta ta kitan tayo nu anya legal basis na," Edduba said.

The governor directed the concerned offices to determine the legal basis for granting such exemptions and to explore incorporating them into the provincial ordinance.

He proposed that only qualified projects be allowed to transport quarry materials at night, subject to the submission of supporting documents, such as a program of work or a directive from the implementing agency, proving that nighttime operations are necessary.

Kalinga has enforced an ordinance prohibiting nighttime quarry extraction and transport for more than five years. The measure was adopted to regulate quarry operations, strengthen monitoring, and prevent unauthorized hauling. Under the current rules, quarry activities are generally allowed only from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

While advocating for limited exemptions, Edduba acknowledged the reasons behind the existing ban. He noted that the ordinance was introduced after authorities discovered that some operators used the cover of darkness to transport sand and gravel without paying the required fees to the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU).

There were also reports of heavily loaded trucks traveling at night being involved in road accidents or causing damage to public infrastructure while transporting quarry materials to Tabuk City, Isabela, and Cagayan.

To address these concerns while accommodating legitimate projects, Edduba proposed that contractors granted exemptions should first secure a special permit from the Office of the Provincial Treasurer and pay the corresponding fees. He said this would allow essential infrastructure projects to proceed without compromising government regulation, public safety, or provincial revenue collection.

The governor also instructed the concerned offices to review the existing ordinance and coordinate with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which will study possible amendments establishing a special permit system for qualified nighttime quarry transport operations.