THE LAGUNA LAKE Development Authority (LLDA) issued cease and desist orders to four companies in the vicinity of Manila Bay and notices of violation to seven others after they were found non-compliant with environmental regulations.
The orders were issued during the meeting of the Metro Manila Council with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday.
The companies issued with cease-and-desist orders are Philippine Billion Real Estate Development Corp., HK Sun Plaza, Tramway Bayview Buffet Restaurant, and D Circle Hotel.
On the other hand, notices of violation for water pollution were issued to Sogo Hotel-Quirino, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Peak Motors Phils Inc., Makchang Korean Restaurant, 2Blue Realty Corp., Cebuana Lhuiller Building, Robinsons Land Corp., and Rizal Park Hotel.
Likewise, Summit Ice Inc. was also issued a notice of violation for violations of Republic Act No. 4850 or failing to secure a permit and clearance from LLDA, along with the Philippine Billion Real Estate Development Corp., Smart Land Resources, Malate Bayview Mansion, Makchang Korean Restaurant, 2Blue Realty Corp, and the Cebuana Lhuilller Building.
Asked for comment, GSIS President Jesus Clint O. Aranas told BusinessWorld: “Upon receipt of the notice, we will immediately coordinate with the DENR to work towards total compliance. It comes as a surprise because we have quarterly self monitoring reports that we submit to the Laguna Lake Development Authority from the sample taken from our Sewage Treatment Plant. Please note that the STP is found to be compliant with LLDA regulations. Added to that the LLDA is under the DENR. If they have a new design for STPs we are more than willing to comply.”
A Robinsons Land representative requested that the company’s comment not be for attribution, but acknowledged that the company has sewage treatment equipment at its sites.
The LLDA’s jurisdiction covers Laguna de Bay, which is connected to Manila Bay by the Pasig River. Laguna de Bay is also connected to the Marikina River, giving it authority over establishments that may be dumping pollutants into the two rivers. It is also one of the agencies with day-to-day expertise in monitoring water quality.
Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año, who attended the council meeting at the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) head office, told reporters in a chance interview that the government does not intend to disrupt the operations of the establishments but their owners should take the responsibility for achieving compliance.
“Actually, we don’t want to disrupt their businesses, it’s their own lookout to make their establishments compliant. We encourage them to do so in order not to disrupt economic activity. They should be responsible,” said Mr. Año in a chance interview with reporters.
Secretary Roy A. Cimatu of the DENR, LLDA’s parent agency, who was also at the council meeting, said his department will also release its own orders to establishments in Makati City and Malabon City.
“This is just the second round. We’re expecting many rounds. This is the only way to clean up the esteros and Manila Bay” Mr. Cimatu told reporters.
Mr. Cimatu added that the latest orders “are just on the part of the LLDA; the DENR will issue separate orders for Malabon and Makati.” — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

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