A polluted inlet canal
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Some lawmakers have expressed concern over the polluted river and drainage canals in Metro Manila.
In a hearing held by the House Committee on Metro Manila Development Tuesday, June 26, Committee Chairman, Representative Winnie Castelo said residents in the National Capital Region (NCR) are facing major health risks if the problem remains unsolved.
“Water now in Metro Manila is contaminated and we run the risk of an epidemic here,” she said.
According to Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), the problem stems from the improper disposal of wastewater of establishments, especially the quick service restaurants.
LLDA noted that half of the 10,000 business establishments in Metro Manila that secured discharge permits from the agency are actually disposing wastewater without conforming to the approved effluent standards which pollute rivers and waterways.
“Many of the non-complying are quick service restaurants…refers to Jollibee, McDonald’s,” revealed LLDA Engineer Emiterio Hernandez.
LLDA added that a cease and desist order had already been issued to these non-compliant restaurants until corrective measures or changes in wastewater treatment process are in place.
The House Committee ordered the agency to fast-track the filing of charges and monitoring against violating establishments to control water pollution.
But the LLDA, for its part, said the agency does not have enough personnel to carry out the mission, noting also the problem in processing permits being issued to various sectors.
“Ideally before, dapat mabigyan ng business permit. Mayroon dapat mga discharge permit na ini-issue from LLDA o DENR. Unfortunately hindi po iyon ang nagyayari nauuna po ma isyu ang business permit,” Hernandez argued.
To temporarily address the issue, the Committee has directed the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to take over the monitoring of establishments to ensure compliance to standards. – Grace Casin / Marje Pelayo
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