20 more establishments cite for polluting Manila Bay

By Susan G. De Leon

Published on February 24, 2019, Philippine Information Agency

The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) recently cited 20 more establishments in the cities of Pasay and Manila, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) building for improper disposal of their wastewater into the Manila Bay.

The latest LLDA issuances for violation of Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 consisted of 5 cease and desist orders (CDOs), 12 notices of violations (NOVs) and 3 ex-parte orders (EPOs).

Issued CDOs are Jollibee Foods Corp. on Macapagal Blvd, Pasay; Heng Feng Kitchenette on F.B. Harrison St. in Pasay; Max’s Restaurant in Ermita, Manila; and Lamer Catering and Nihon Bashitei Japanese Food, both in Malate, Manila.

The five establishments were added to the 11 other firms that were earlier slapped with the same order as a result of LLDA’s crackdown on erring establishments in connection with the massive government effort to rehabilitate the heavily polluted Manila Bay.

In a report to Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, LLDA General Manager Jaime Medina said the latest round of issuances was based on the results of inspections conducted and laboratory analysis of the wastewater samples taken as of last January 31.

LLDA General Manager Jaime Medina signs cease and desist orders for violators of RA 9275. photo by LLDA

Medina said the wastewater discharges of these erring establishments were found not conforming with the effluent standards for Class “SB” waters or safe for recreational activities such as swimming.

Among the 12 establishments issued with NOVs are the OWWA building on F.B. Harrison and the CCP’s main building and annex building that houses its production design center.

Two high-rise condominium buildings and a motel were also issued with NOVs, namely: the Heritage Condominium Corporation in Malate, First Marbella Condominium on Roxas Boulevard, and the Harrison Lodge on F.B. Harrison.

Also issued with NOVs were Ma. Natividad Building in Ermita, Manila; Marina Square Properties Inc. in Malate, Manila; Federal Land, Inc. in San Rafael, Pasay; Gold Quest Premiere Resources Inc. and Libertad Tourist Development Inc., both in Barangay 76, Pasay; and Wellcross Freight Corp. on Harrison St. in Pasay.

The three establishments issued with EPOs are Aloha Hotel on Roxas Boulevard; Sarmiti Food Corporation (Shawarma Snack Center) in Ermita; and Orix Auto Leasing Phils. Corp. in Pasay City.

The faucets, outfall pipes, sinks and lavatories of firms issued with CDOs were sealed. They will also have to pay fines ranging from 20,000 to P200,000 per day until such time that corrections and remedial measures are set in place.

“However, if the result of the water sampling indicates an exceedance of the effluent standards by about five times, an Ex-Parte Orders shall be imposed and for non-compliance with any of parameters, a Notice of Violation shall be issued,” Medina said, noting that EPO-issued establishments are given 15 days to submit an explanation and a remedial plan.

In total, 63 establishments have been issued by LLDA with violation citations since the launching of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program on January 27, comprising of 16 CDOs, 12 EPOs, and 35 NOVs. (PIA-InfoComm)