The House Committee on Metro Manila Development directed the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) to ensure a clean, safe and potable water supply for Metro Manila residents, particularly those living near the lake.
In a hearing presided by its chairman Quezon City Rep. Winnie Castelo, the committee pried into the status of the LLDA’s water filtration project and management, particularly its impact on the ecology and the quality of water supply. LLDA officials admitted that unabated waste water discharge into the Laguna Lake by nearby establishments poses a risk to the quality of water supply in Metro Manila and adjacent areas.
Laguna Lake is now a major resource that supplies the domestic water requirement of the nearby cities and towns along the lake. This was made possible by LLDA Board Resolution 338, series of 2007 allowing extraction of lake waters subject to the grant of permits.
The permit for Manila Water Services Inc. (MWSI) to extract a maximum volume of 300,000 cubic meters per day from the Laguna Lake was approved in July 2009. But according to LLDA’s own estimate, about 40 percent of establishments that obtained permits do not comply with the requirements of Republic Act 9275, or the “Philippine Clean Water Act.
The law also requires that all establishments, industrial parks, and factories should have centralized water plants. LLDA records show that a majority of these violators are quick-service restaurants. LLDA officials say they do not have enough manpower to conduct the necessary annual inspections of establishments within their jurisdiction, noting the authority has only 20 inspectors tasked to check into the compliance of around 10,000 establishments.
To address the problem, the committee proposed the segregation of authority between LLDA and the EMB of the DENR-National Capital Region to guarantee adequate inspection and proper management of the concerned establishments. In addition, Coalition of the Association of Senior Citizens in the Philippines Rep. Francisco Datol suggested that the LLDA and DENR-EMB also coordinate with local government units (LGUs) for their assistance. But he said it is necessary also to strengthen existing laws and increase the penalties for violators. Castelo said the two agencies must be strict in implementing the law and issue closure orders to non-complying institutions. He said they should be held liable and meted appropriate punishments to ensure adherence to the laws.
“LLDA and DENR-EMB must be strict in implementing the law and issue closure orders to non-complying institutions.”
“Water is a basic necessity. It should be safe and potable. Otherwise, Metro Manila residents will face tremendous problems, especially health issues. This is something that we want to avoid: an epidemic of this magnitude,” the legislator said.
Marikina City Rep. Bayani Fernando, a former chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) meanwhile maintained that it would be more efficient if concerned parties would “treat the water systems one at a time.”
“Metro Manila residents will face tremendous problems, especially health issues. This is something that we want to avoid: an epidemic of this magnitude.”
The committee said LLDA must step up its effort to improve the present system to carry out its mandate. Among the resource persons present during the hearing were Ireneo Bongco, LLDA senior science research specialist; Engr. Emiterio Hernandez, LLDA department manager; and Diosdado Doctor, chief of the DENR-NCR Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division.
