The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Capas, Tarlac, ruled in favor of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) on December 18, 2024, in its ongoing legal battle with Metro Clark Waste Management (MCWM) Corporation. The decision, issued by Presiding Judge Sarah Vera Delos Santos of Branch 109, denies the Petition for Mandamus filed by MCWM. This follows a series of legal motions, including the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) earlier this year.
The case, which revolves around the renewal of an Authority to Operate (ATO) for MCWM, was filed by the waste management company after CDC refused to grant the renewal based on the expiration of MCWM’s lease agreement. The court previously issued a TRO on November 28, 2024, temporarily halting actions that would interfere with MCWM’s operations.
However, after examining the merits of the case, the court found that MCWM did not demonstrate a clear and unmistakable right to the renewal of its ATO, rejecting their petition. In its ruling, the court highlighted that while the TRO had been granted, the final decision on the application for a Writ of Preliminary Injunction could not be justified, as MCWM’s right to operate was not firmly established.
This ruling strengthens CDC’s position, confirming that the expiration of MCWM’s lease agreement and failure to meet the renewal criteria set by the agency are valid reasons for the cessation of their operations. The decision marks a significant victory for CDC, as it continues to enforce policies that align with regulatory and contractual guidelines within the Clark Special Economic Zone.