THE Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) said Thursday that it has ordered two construction companies to stop operations for allegedly dumping waste on the shoreland of Taguig City.
LLDA General Manager Jaime ‘Joey’ C. Medina served the cease-and-desist orders to Pasig City-based IPM Construction and Development Corp. and Taguig City-based Level Up Construction and Development Corp.
Mr. Medina also ordered the two companies to stop dumping waste materials and from further reclamation activities.
“[T]hese illegal reclamation and backfilling activities have already resulted to the depletion of the carrying capacity of the lake and because of these continuous defiance,” Mr. Medina was quoted in a Thursday statement.
“The original contour of the Laguna Lake and the natural elevation of the subject leased area which is below 12.50 meters reglementary elevation has increased tremendously and expanding rigorously towards the lake without any approval from the LLDA,” the official added.
Under Section 4 of the Republic Act No. 4850 or the Laguna Lake Development Authority Act of 1966, activities in all titled and untitled lands below elevation of 12.50 meters that will negatively affect the ecological balance of the lake, such as by causing air pollution, are strictly prohibited within the shoreland area.
The law also identifies LLDA as the sole authority to issue new permits when allowing the use of lake waters for any projects or activities affecting the Laguna de Bay. — Janina C. Lim
